title: 1961 Rwandan monarchy referendum
text: # 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 |||
  