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1961 Rwandan monarchy referendum

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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%

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]

Results

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Question one

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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

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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

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  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.