Antigua and Barbuda planning vote to turn out to be republic inside three years: Report

Antigua and Barbuda plans to carry a referendum on changing into a republic throughout the subsequent three years.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne stated Antigua and Barbuda plans to carry a referendum on changing into a republic throughout the subsequent three years (File Photo: Reuters)

Antigua and Barbuda plans to carry a referendum on changing into a republic throughout the subsequent three years, the Caribbean nation’s prime minister advised British media Saturday, a transfer that might see King Charles III eliminated as its head of state.

“This is a matter that has to be taken to a referendum…within the next, probably, three years,” Prime Minister Gaston Browne advised ITV News shortly after an area ceremony confirmed Charles III because the nation’s King following Queen Elizabeth II’s demise.

The tiny Caribbean island nation, which grew to become impartial from Britain in 1981, is considered one of 14 Commonwealth members who share the UK monarch as their head of state.

Brown stated changing into a republic was “a final step to complete the circle of independence to ensure we are truly a sovereign nation,” however confused a referendum was “not an act of hostility” and wouldn’t contain retiring Commonwealth membership.

Antigua’s prime minister didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark, and Reuters was not in a position to independently confirm the proposal.

The nation has a inhabitants of lower than 100,000, in response to official knowledge.

Browne’s pledge comes amid a rising republican push throughout the Caribbean area, with Barbados voting to take away the UK monarchy final 12 months, and the ruling get together in Jamaica having signaled it could comply with.

Nonetheless, Browne – who’s up for re-election subsequent 12 months – stated he was not responding to a widespread push from Antiguans to carry a vote.

“I think most people haven’t even bothered to think about it,” he advised ITV.

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