1961 Rwandan monarchy referendum
# 1961 Rwandan monarchy referendum

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. King Kigeli claimed the vote had been rigged.

## 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 |||
