Bermudian independence referendum, 1995

The Bermudan independence referendum of 1995 was a referendum held in Bermuda on 16 August 1995 over whether Bermuda should become an independent sovereign state or remain a British Dependent Territory. On a voter turnout of 58.8%, 73.6% voted against independence, and 25.7% voted in favour. Following the decisive referendum result, Sir John Swan, in favour of independence, resigned as Premier of Bermuda.^[1]

Referendum background and details

Bermuda was made a crown colony in 1609 and became a self-governing colony in 1620, with the founding of the Parliament of Bermuda. Following the Second World War, 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,^[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 this:^[4]

Are you in favour of independence for Bermuda?

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 Sir John Swan supporting independence while many of his backbenchers were opposed.^[5]

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.^[6]

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 a.m. to 9 p.m.^[7] The decision to delay the referendum was the subject of a public inquiry, which found the Government had acted in accordance with the law.^[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. 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. Independence Referendum Act 1995 (PDF), Government of Bermuda, 1995, retrieved 7 January 2012
5. Paul Egan and Jeremy Deacon (8 August 1995). "UBP about to self-destruct, says Gordon". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
6. "Bermudians Voting Against Breaking Ties With Britain". Ludington Daily News (Google News). 17 August 1995. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
7. Paul Egan and Henry Adderley (16 August 1995). "Independence referendum set for today". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
8. Paul Egan and Jeremy Deacon (16 December 1995). "Inquiry says the system worked". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved 7 January 2012.