1995 Bermudian independence referendum

none August 2019 Bermuda 1910 Are you in favour of independence for Bermuda? 16 August 1995 5,714 16,369 22,236 37,841 An independence referendum was held in Bermuda on 16 August 1995 for voters to decide whether Bermuda should become an independent sovereign state or remain a 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.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/bermudians-vote-to-stay-british-1596724.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/bermudians-vote-to-stay-british-1596724.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Bermudians vote to stay British Phil Davison The Independent 18 August 1995 7 January 2012 Background After being an extension of the Virginia colony, Bermuda was made a crown colony of its own rights in 1609 and became a self-governing colony in 1620, with the founding of the Parliament of Bermuda. Following World War II, much of the British Empire was granted independence. In 1968 Bermuda gained a constitution, but 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,https://www.royalgazette.com/article/19950325/NEWS/303259992 House votes to ask the people if they want to go it alone Paul Egan The Royal Gazette 25 March 1995 7 January 2012 the Senate passed the Bill unopposed two weeks later.https://www.royalgazette.com/article/19950406/NEWS/304069967 Senate gives go-ahead to Referendum bill Marcus Day The Royal Gazette 6 April 1995 7 January 2012 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. The referendum question (as set out by the Independence Referendum Act 1995) was: 1995 Independence Referendum Act 1995 Government of Bermuda http://www.bermudalaws.bm/Laws/Consolidated%20Laws/Independence%20Referendum%20Act%201995.pdf 7 January 2012 4 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102641/http://www.bermudalaws.bm/Laws/Consolidated%20Laws/Independence%20Referendum%20Act%201995.pdf dead 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 Hurricane Felix passing over the islands. Polls were open from 10:00 to 21:00.https://www.royalgazette.com/article/19950816/NEWS/308169986 Independence referendum set for today Paul Egan and Henry Adderley The Royal Gazette 16 August 1995 7 January 2012 The decision to delay the referendum was the subject of a public inquiry, which found the Government had acted in accordance with the law.https://www.royalgazette.com/article/19951216/NEWS/312169994 Inquiry says the system worked Paul Egan and Jeremy Deacon The Royal Gazette 16 December 1995 7 January 2012 Campaign Although in favour of independence, the opposition Progressive Labour Party, led by Frederick Wade, voted against the Referendum Bill, called for a boycott of the referendum itself and stated that independence should be determined in a general election. The governing United Bermuda Party was split on the issue, with Premier John Swan supporting independence while many of his backbenchers were opposed.http://www.royalgazette.com/article/19950808/NEWS/308089973 UBP about to self-destruct, says Gordon Paul Egan and Jeremy Deacon The Royal Gazette 8 August 1995 7 January 2012 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 constitutional conference in London, which would lead to Bermuda becoming an independent Commonwealth realm, with Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State and the Privy Council remaining the supreme court.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2jRQAAAAIBAJ&pg=7138,4486740&dq=bermuda+independence&hl=en Bermudians Voting Against Breaking Ties With Britain Ludington Daily News 17 August 1995 7 January 2012 Result ChoiceVotes%For5,71425.88Against16,36974.12Invalid/blank votes153–Total22,236100Registered voters/turnout37,84158.76Source: Direct Democracy References Referendum Bermuda Bermuda Category:Referendums in Bermuda