| Country: | Rwanda |
| Flag Year: | 1959 |
| Date: | 25 September 1961 |
| Barwidth: | 180px |
| Part1 Subject: | Do you want to keep the institution of the Mwami (monarchy) in Rwanda? |
| Part1 Choice1: | For |
| Part1 Percentage1: | 20.15 |
| Part1 Choice2: | Against |
| Part1 Percentage2: | 79.85 |
| Part2 Subject: | If so, do you want Kigeli V to remain Mwami (King) of Rwanda? |
| Part2 Choice1: | For |
| Part2 Percentage1: | 20.40 |
| Part2 Choice2: | Against |
| Part2 Percentage2: | 79.60 |
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.
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]
| 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 |
| align=left colspan=3 | Source: African Elections Database |
| 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 |
| align=left colspan=3 | Source: African Elections Database |