Referendum in Gambia 1970
| Distribution of votes |
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The referendum in Gambia 1970 ( English 1970 Plebiscite ) took place on April 24, 1970. According to one estimate, Gambia had a population of 484,580 in 1970.
In 1965, shortly after the Gambia's independence , the young government intended to break away from Great Britain and transform the Gambia into a presidential republic with an elected president as head of state instead of the British Queen . A referendum was necessary for this constitutional amendment, which the government had carried out in a first referendum in 1965 . This failed, however, so that in 1970 the question was repeated.
Of the estimated 135,000 previously registered voters, 120,606 valid votes were cast, bringing the turnout to 89.34 percent. 70.45 percent of the voters had spoken out in favor of the new constitution, with which this time a two-thirds majority was achieved and the constitution could be changed.
table
The following election result was published:
| percent | be right | decision |
|---|---|---|
| 70.45% | 84,968 | "Yes" - consent |
| 29.55% | 35,638 | "No" - rejection |
Individual evidence
- ↑ US Census Bureau: Estimate for 1970, mid-year.
- ^ African Elections Database
