John Turner vs P. W. Botha

Turner became Prime Minister of Canada on June 30, 1984, after winning the Liberal Party leadership convention. He succeeded Pierre Trudeau and immediately called a general election for September.

Turner's Liberal government was defeated in the 1984 federal election by Brian Mulroney's Progressive Conservatives. The Liberals won only 40 seats, their worst result in history, and Turner resigned as party leader shortly after.

Before the 1984 election, Turner appointed a large number of Liberal loyalists to patronage positions, including senators and judges. This decision was heavily criticized and became a major issue in the election campaign, contributing to his defeat.

After the election defeat, Turner remained as Liberal Party leader and became Leader of the Official Opposition. He led the party through the 1988 election, where he campaigned against the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.

Turner led the Liberal Party in the 1988 federal election, making opposition to the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement the central issue. Despite a strong campaign, the Liberals lost to Mulroney's Conservatives, and the agreement was implemented.

P.W. Botha became Prime Minister of South Africa, succeeding John Vorster. He represented the hardline wing of the National Party and pursued a policy of 'total strategy' to counter what he saw as a 'total onslaught' against apartheid by communist forces.

Botha introduced a new constitution creating a Tricameral Parliament, giving limited representation to Coloureds and Indians but excluding the black majority. This reform was rejected by anti-apartheid movements and sparked widespread protests and violence.

Botha declared a State of Emergency in response to growing anti-apartheid unrest, giving security forces sweeping powers. Thousands were detained without trial, and the military was deployed to townships. The crackdown intensified international sanctions and isolation.

In a highly anticipated speech, Botha refused to implement major reforms, including the release of Nelson Mandela. The speech dashed hopes for peaceful change, led to a collapse in the rand, and accelerated international sanctions against South Africa.

Botha resigned as State President after suffering a stroke and losing a power struggle within the National Party. He was succeeded by F.W. de Klerk, who reversed Botha's policies and began negotiations to end apartheid. Botha later refused to testify before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.