Maldivian constitutional referendum, 1968

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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 system. 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.

Maldives South Asian country in the Indian Ocean

The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, is a country in South Asia, located in the Arabian Sea of the Indian Ocean. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) from the Asian continent. The chain of 26 atolls stretches from Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the north to Addu Atoll in the south. Comprising a territory spanning roughly 298 square kilometres (115 sq mi), the Maldives is one of the world's most geographically dispersed sovereign states as well as the smallest Asian country by land area and population, with around 427,756 inhabitants. Malé is the capital and the most populated city, traditionally called the "King's Island" for its central location.

Muhammad Fareed Didi Maldivian politician (1901-1969)

King Muhammad Fareed Didi, , the son of the Sultan Prince Abdul Majeed Didi, was the last Sultan of Maldives and the first Maldivian Monarch to assume the title of "King" with the style of "Your Majesty". He was the Sultan of Maldives from March 7, 1954 until November 11, 1968. He was deposed in 1968 from the throne when Maldives became a republic, and died the following year.

The proposals were approved by over 80% of voters, [1] and a republic was declared on 11 November that year. Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir becoming president.

Ibrahim Nasir Maldivian politician, 2nd president of the Maldives

Ibrahim Nasir Rannabandeyri Kilegefan, KCMG, NGIV was a Maldivian politician who served as Prime Minister of the Maldives under Sultan Muhammad Fareed Didi from December 1957 to 1968 and succeeded him to become the first President of the Second Republic from 1968 to 1978.

Results

ChoiceVotes%
Monarchy8,55118.77
Republic36,99781.23
Invalid/blank votes244
Total45,792100
Registered voters/turnout49,05693.35
Source: Utheemu

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