Country: | Tuvalu |
No Text: | Constitutional monarchy |
Yes Text: | Republic |
No: | 1260 |
Yes: | 679 |
Invalid: | 0 |
Electorate: | 9000 |
A constitutional referendum was held in Tuvalu on 30 April 2008.[1] The referendum sought to abolish the monarchy of Tuvalu and establish the country as a republic. Had the referendum passed, the new president would have been indirectly elected by the Parliament of Tuvalu.
The referendum failed, with 679 votes in favour of establishing a republic and 1,260 votes to retain the monarchy.[2] As a consequence, Tuvalu remained a monarchy, and Elizabeth II remained head of state. Turnout for the referendum was low. Only 1,939 voters cast valid ballots, out of the approximately 9,000 voting-aged Tuvaluans. In comparison, 8,501 votes were cast in the 2006 parliamentary election.[1] A previous referendum on becoming a republic in 1986 was also rejected.
Choice | Votes | % |
---|---|---|
Monarchy | 1,260 | 64.98 |
Republic | 679 | 35.02 |
Invalid/blank votes | - | |
Total | 1,939 | 100 |
Registered voters/turnout | 9,000 | c. 21.5 |
align=left colspan=3 | Source: Radio Australia |