1964 Swazi constitutional referendum explained

Date:19 January 1964
Flag Image:Flag of Swaziland (1894–1902).svg
Yes:124,218
No:162

A referendum on repealing the constitution was held in Swaziland on 19 January 1964. It had been called by King Sobhuza II following the imposition of a constitution by the British colonial authorities in 1963, which he opposed due to its democratic aspects and the weakening of his position. The constitution had been imposed on the colony due to the failure of the Swaziland National Council (which represented the Swazi traditional aristocracy) and the European Advisory Council (representing white settlers) to agree on one.

The referendum was boycotted by political parties, and the result (99.87% in favour of repealing)[1] ignored by the colonial authorities.[2] General elections were held later in the year according to the constitution.

Notes and References

  1. http://www.sudd.ch/event.php?lang=en&id=sz011964 Swasiland, 19. Januar 1964 : Rückzug der Kolonialverfassung
  2. http://www.eisa.org.za/WEP/swa1964election.htm Swaziland: The 1964 election