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
Question one
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
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
^Elections in Rwanda African Elections Database
^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.
