| Election Name: | 1968 Czechoslovak presidential election |
| Country: | Czech Republic |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1964 Czechoslovak presidential election |
| Previous Year: | 1964 |
| Next Election: | 1973 Czechoslovak presidential election |
| Next Year: | 1973 |
| Election Date: | 30 March 1968 |
| Nominee1: | Ludvík Svoboda |
| Party1: | Communist Party of Czechoslovakia |
| Electoral Vote1: | 282 |
| Percentage1: | 97.6% |
| Nominee2: | Abstain |
| Color2: | 000000 |
| Electoral Vote2: | 6 |
| Percentage2: | 2.1% |
| President | |
| Before Election: | Antonín Novotný |
| Before Party: | Communist Party of Czechoslovakia |
| After Election: | Ludvík Svoboda |
| After Party: | Communist Party of Czechoslovakia |
The 1968 Czechoslovak presidential election took place on 30 March 1968. Ludvík Svoboda replaced Antonín Novotný as the President of Czechoslovakia.[1] [2] It was the only time during Communist regime that the elected president didn't receive 100% of votes.[3]
The election was held as a result of Novotný's resignation during Prague Spring. Discussions about his successor started. The reformist wing of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia wanted an independent candidate and nominated Josef Charvát while others supported Ludvík Svoboda.[4] Another suggested candidate was Čestmír Císař who was supported by students.[5] It was eventually decided that Svoboda will be the only candidate in the election.[4]
| Candidate | Votes | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 282 | 97.58 | |||
| Abstain | 6 | 2.08 | ||
| Blank votes | 1 | 0.35 | ||