1970 — The Gambia Becomes a Republic

On April 24, 1970, The Gambia became a republic. Five years after independence, Queen Elizabeth II ceased to be head of state. A referendum delivered a resounding 70 percent yes vote, succeeding where a first attempt in 1965 had failed by just 758 votes. The change was chosen by the voters themselves, at the second asking, by a clear and decisive margin this time.

Prime Minister Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara was sworn in two days later as the nation's first president. He began 24 years of gentle democratic rule, leading the new republic from its first day as its elected head of state.