1995 Bermudian independence referendum

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1995 Bermudian independence referendum
16 August 1995
Are you in favour of independence for Bermuda?
Results
Choice
 Votes %
Yes 5,714 25.88%
No 16,369 74.12%
Valid votes 22,083 99.31%
Invalid or blank votes 153 0.69%
Total votes 22,236 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 37,841 58.76%
Politics of Bermuda
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An

British Dependent Territory. On a voter turnout of 59%, 74% voted against independence. Following the decisive result, Premier John Swan, who had been in favour of independence, resigned.[1]

Background

After being an extension of the

British Government determined that Bermuda was not ready for independence, and so Bermuda was included on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories. In 1981 Bermuda became a British Dependent Territory as a result of the British Nationality Act 1981
.

On 25 March 1995 the House of Assembly of Bermuda narrowly passed the Independence Referendum Bill 20–18,[2] the Senate passed the Bill unopposed two weeks later.[3] For independence to be approved, the yes vote had to be supported by at least 40% of those eligible to vote and over 50% of those who voted.[4]

The referendum question (as set out by the Independence Referendum Act 1995) was:[4]

Are you in favour of independence for Bermuda?

The vote was originally scheduled for 15 August 1995 but was delayed to the next day by

Government had acted in accordance with the law.[6]

Campaign

Although in favour of independence, the opposition

backbenchers were opposed.[7]

During the campaign, the Committee for the Independence of Bermuda stated that if there was a 'yes' vote, independence would not come immediately. Instead, there would be a

Privy Council remaining the supreme court.[8]

Result

Choice Votes %
For 5,714 25.88
Against 16,369 74.12
Invalid/blank votes 153 –
Total 22,236 100
Registered voters/turnout 37,841 58.76
Source: Direct Democracy

References

  1. ^ Phil Davison (18 August 1995). "Bermudians vote to stay British". The Independent. Archived from the original on 1 May 2022. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  2. ^ Paul Egan (25 March 1995). "House votes to ask the people if they want to go it alone". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  3. ^ Marcus Day (6 April 1995). "Senate gives go-ahead to Referendum bill". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  4. ^
    Government of Bermuda
    , 1995, retrieved 7 January 2012
  5. ^ Paul Egan and Henry Adderley (16 August 1995). "Independence referendum set for today". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  6. ^ Paul Egan and Jeremy Deacon (16 December 1995). "Inquiry says the system worked". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  7. ^ Paul Egan and Jeremy Deacon (8 August 1995). "UBP about to self-destruct, says Gordon". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  8. ^ "Bermudians Voting Against Breaking Ties With Britain". Ludington Daily News. 17 August 1995. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
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