1965 Gambian republic referendum explained

Country:The Gambia
Yes:61,563
No:31,921
Invalid:0
Electorate:154,626

A referendum on becoming a republic was held in the Gambia on 24 November 1965.[1] If the referendum had passed, the post of president would have replaced Elizabeth II as head of state, and thus eliminated the post of Governor-General.

There were 154,626 registered voters for the referendum, with 93,484 valid votes cast. 65.85% of voters voted for the proposal, but failed to reach the two-thirds support required for the proposal to be accepted.

A second referendum was held in 1970, which resulted in a successful "yes" vote. Prime Minister Dawda Jawara was elected president by the parliament, replacing Elizabeth II (represented by Farimang Mamadi Singateh) as head of state on 24 April 1970.

Result

ChoiceVotes%
For61,56365.85
Against31,92134.15
Total93,484100
Registered voters/turnout154,62660.46
align=left colspan=3Source: African Elections database

Notes and References

  1. http://africanelections.tripod.com/gm.html#1965_Plebiscite 1965 Plebiscite