A constitutional referendum was held in the Maldives on 15 March 1968. The main question was whether to convert the state from a constitutional monarchy under Sultan Muhammad Fareed Didi to a presidential republic. The referendum was the third on the subject; the first in 1952 had seen the state convert to a presidential system, whilst a second in 1953 reversed the decision and saw the monarchy restored in 1954.
1968 Maldivian constitutional referendum
15 March 1968 (1968-03-15)
Results
Choice
Votes
%
Republic
36,997
81.23%
Monarchy
8,551
18.77%
Valid votes
45,548
99.47%
Invalid or blank votes
244
0.53%
Total votes
45,792
100.00%
Registered voters/turnout
49,056
93.35%
The proposals were approved by over 80% of voters,[1] and a republic was declared on 11 November that year. Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir would become president.
