December 30, 2002: Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announces she will seek a full term in the 2004 presidential election. Among her campaign promises is a new, federal parliamentary, constitution and rapid economic liberalization.
January 21, 2003: John McCain announces his presidential candidacy.
January 25, 2003: Mike Huckabee announces a presidential run.
January 27, 2003: George Allen announces a presidential run.
June 22, 2003: Jean Chretien resigns as Prime Minister, Liberal leader and MP for Shawinigan. He is succeeded by Paul Martin.
October 6, 2003: Canadian federal election. Paul Martin's Liberals win a fourth consecutive majority government with 170 of 308 seats.
November 15, 2003: Louisiana gubernatorial runoff. Republican Congressman Bobby Jindal defeats incumbent Democratic Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Blanco 52-47 for the governorship.
November 30, 2003: Opposition Leader Stephen Harper wins a confidence motion 88-12 in a survey of party and caucus members.
December 31, 2003: Canadian Alliance and Progressive Conservative parties merge into the new Conservative Party. Stephen Harper is elected leader and remains Leader of the Opposition.