1961 Rwandan monarchy referendum

Summary

A referendum on the monarchy was held in Rwanda on 25 September 1961, concurrent with parliamentary elections. The referendum asked two questions: whether the monarchy should be retained after independence the following year, and whether the incumbent, Kigeli V, should remain King.

1961 Rwandan monarchy referendum
25 September 1961
Do you want to keep the institution of the Mwami (monarchy) in Rwanda?
For
20.15%
Against
79.85%
If so, do you want Kigeli V to remain Mwami (King) of Rwanda?
For
20.40%
Against
79.60%

The result was a "no" to both questions from 80% of voters, with a 95% turnout.[1] King Kigeli claimed the vote had been rigged.[2]

Results edit

Question one edit

Should the Monarchy in Rwanda be preserved?

Choice Votes %
For 253,963 20.15
Against 1,006,339 79.85
Invalid/blank votes 14,329
Total 1,274,631 100
Registered voters/turnout 1,337,342 95.31
Source: African Elections Database

Question two edit

Should Kigeli V remain King of Rwanda?

Choice Votes %
For 257,510 20.40
Against 1,004,655 79.60
Invalid/blank votes 11,526
Total 1,273,691 100
Registered voters/turnout 1,337,342 95.24
Source: African Elections Database

References edit

  1. ^ Elections in Rwanda African Elections Database
  2. ^ Perraudin, Frances (12 January 2017). "Rwanda's new king named – a father of two living on an estate near Manchester". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 April 2018.