1922 Northern Rhodesian amalgamation referendum

A referendum on amalgamation with Southern Rhodesia was held in Northern Rhodesia in February 1922 alongside Advisory Council elections.^[1] The proposal was rejected by 82% of voters, who were generally in favour of the territory becoming a Crown colony with a Legislative Council.^[1]

Amalgamation was supported by Francis Chaplin, who was Administrator of both Northern and Southern Rhodesia.^[2] Opponents included Leopold Moore, a prominent politician and Advisory Council member.^[2]

A referendum was held in Southern Rhodesia in October, with voters offered the choices of responsible government or union with South Africa, with 60% voting for the former. In July 1923 the Advisory Council officially requested that Northern Rhodesia be made a Crown colony, and in early 1924 an Order in Council was issued by the British Government, stating that the territory would get a Governor and Legislative Council.^[1] Herbert Stanley became the territory's first Governor on 1 April 1924,^[1] and a Legislative Council was created in the same year. Its members were initially appointed, until the first elections were held in 1926.