A leadership election for the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) was held in the Czech Republic on 9 December 1996. Václav Klaus was reelected leader of ODS. Election was part of 7th Congress of the party. Klaus received 249 votes of 295.[1] It was the last time when leader was elected for one-year term.[2]Christian Democratic Party was merged with ODS at the congress. Delegates also voted in favour of change of political style.[3]
Klaus' victory wasn't as decisive as in previous elections which was considered a sign of tension within the party. Some members of the party delivered critical speeches during the election. This includes Jan Ruml and Josef Zieleniec.[4]