Bermudan independence referendum, 1995

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The Bermudan independence referendum of 1995 was a pre-legislative referendum held in Bermuda on Wednesday 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 (who had campaigned in favour of independence) resigned as Premier of Bermuda.^[1]

Referendum background and details

Bermuda was settled by the British 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 it 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 narrowly passed the Independence Referendum Bill by 20 votes to 18,^[2] the Senate passed the Bill unopposed two weeks later.^[3] In order 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?

Although in favour of independence, the opposition Progressive Labour Party, led by Frederick Wade, voted against the Referendum Bill and called for a boycott of the referendum itself, stating 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 Tuesday 15 August 1995, but was delayed by 24-hours as a result of Hurricane Felix passing over the islands. Polls were open from 10am until 9pm.^[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

Bermudan independence referendum, 1995
Choice	Votes	Percentage
No	16,369	73.6%
Yes	5,714	25.7%
Total votes	22,236	100.00%
Voter turnout	58.76%
Electorate	37,841
Source: [1]

References

v t e Elections and referendums in Bermuda General elections 1968 1972 1976 1980 1983 1985 1989 1993 1998 2003 2007 2012 Referendums 1995