Gambian republic referendum, 1970

This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
the Gambia
Constitution

A referendum on becoming a republic was held in the Gambia in April 1970. The changes resulted in the creation of the post of President to replace the Governor-General representing Elizabeth II as head of state. It was the second referendum on the issue: the first in 1965 failed because the two-thirds majority required was not reached.

This time the referendum produced a "yes" result. The Prime Minister Sir Dawda Jawara was elected the first President by the parliament, replacing Elizabeth II (represented by Governor-General Sir Farimang Mamadi Singateh) as head of state on 24 April 1970.

Result

Choice Votes %
For84,96870.45
Against35,63829.55
Total120,606100
Registered voters/turnout133,81390.1
Source: Hughes & Perfect[1]

References

  1. Arnold Hughes & David Perfect (2006) A political history of the Gambia, 1816–1994, University of Rochester Press, p346
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