Antigua and Barbuda planning vote to become republic within 3 years -media

MEXICO CITY (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 instructed British media Saturday, a transfer that would see King Charles III eliminated as its head of state.

“This can be a matter that must be taken to a referendum…throughout the subsequent, in all probability, three years,” Prime Minister Gaston Browne instructed ITV Information 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 turned impartial from Britain in 1981, is one in all 14 Commonwealth members who share the UK monarch as their head of state.

Brown mentioned changing into a republic was “a last step to finish the circle of independence to make sure we’re actually a sovereign nation,” however harassed 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 capable of independently confirm the proposal.

The nation has a inhabitants of lower than 100,000, in accordance with official information.

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 occasion in Jamaica having signaled it might comply with.

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

“I feel most individuals haven’t even bothered to consider it,” he instructed ITV.

(Reporting by Isabel Woodford; Modifying by Lisa Shumaker)