This is the norm in Israel, In fact this even happens after a PM resigns because of a scandal (Rabin) or losing the confidence of parliament (Barak).
Oh boy, let's see here. Begin lost in 1949, 1951, 1955, 1959, 1961, 1965, 1969, and 1973 before finally winning in 1977. Peres lost in 1977, 1981, and, depending on how you look at it, 1984, not to mention 1988, and 1996. Netanyahu won in 96, lost in 99 and 06, and won again in 09. Anyone else that I'm forgetting?
Also, in Greece, George Papandreou lost in 2004 and 2007 before winning in 2009. Kostas Karamanlis lost in 2000 before he won in 2004. Andreas Papandreou lost in 74 and 77 before winning in 81. Of course, let's also not forget the Andreas Papandreau/Constantine Mitsotakis duels.
Italy: Berlusconi won in 94, lost in 96, won in 01, lost in 06, and won again in 08.
