Answer to the Prime-Ministerial Puzzler
above:
No.
That title belongs to
Khaleda Zia (right), who
preceded Hasina as Bangladesh's Prime Minister, from March 1991 to March 1996, and succeeded her as well, October 2001 to 2006.
Both women are political dynasts: Hasina is the daughter of the 1st Prime Minister of Bangladesh, while Zia is the widow of the general who took over 2 years after a military coup ousted that 1st leader. Both men were assassinated, in 1975 and 1981, respectively. And both women remain fierce opponents. Indeed, the
Los Angeles Times' story on Hasina's victory
reported:
Even before the results became clear in Monday's election, however, Wajed's rivals, led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, accused Wajed's group of vote-buying and dirty tricks. ....
The charges raised the specter of a return to the divisive accusations, work stoppages and street demonstrations that have made it difficult at times for leaders to govern effectively.
It appears that, following a "landslide victory" for her party, the Awami League, Sheikh Hasina Wajed (right) is about to become Prime Minister of Bangladesh, a post she previously held from June 1996 to July 2001. (photo credit)
Answer to the Prime-Ministerial Puzzler above:
woman to serve as President of the Philippines, however; Corazon Aquino held the post from 1986 to 1992. Notably, women have governed in 3 of the other Asian countries on this list:
