The Gambia achieved independence on 18 February 1965, as a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth, with Elizabeth II as Queen of The Gambia, represented by the Governor-General. Shortly thereafter, the national government held a referendum proposing that the country become a republic. This referendum failed to receive the two-thirds majority required to amend the constitution, but the results won widespread attention abroad as testimony to The Gambia's observance of secret balloting, honest elections, civil rights, and liberties.
the gambia achieved in,dependence on 18 february 1965 as a constitutional monarchy within the commonwealth with elizabeth ii as queen of the gambia represented by the governor-general shortly thereafter the national government held a referendum proposing that the country become a republic this referendum failed to receive the two-thirds majority requir.ed to amend the constitution but the results won widespread attention abroad as testimony to the gambia's observance of secret balloting honest elections civil rights and liberties