What if John Howard(the Australian PM) had become Prime Minister in 1990 instead of 1996? He was Leader of the opposition until 1989, when he was toppled in a surprise coup. If the coup had been averted, could Howard have won the 1990 election and defeated Bob Hawke? I think he could, in 1990 Labor lost support due to the bad economy and voter fatigue, in fact the Coalition led by Peacock won the popular vote. Or is another PoD needed to boost Howard? So Howard keeps the leadership and wins in 1990, how does he do as PM 6 years early? How is Australian politics altered? What happens in his term? What if?