Antigua and Barbuda Plan Referendum to Become a Republic

Improve the News Foundation -

Facts  

  • On Sat., the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, announced plans to hold a referendum on becoming a republic and removing King Charles III as its head of state sometime in the next three years.
  • This statement comes despite the fact that PM Browne had signed just minutes before a document confirming Charles III's new status as King, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
  • The Caribbean country, which became independent from the UK in 1981, is part of the 56-member Commonwealth and one of 15 countries to share the British monarch as its head of state.
  • Republicanism has been gaining momentum in the Caribbean, with Barbados voting to remove the UK monarchy in 2021 and Jamaica's ruling party also seeking to call for a referendum on this issue.
  • While conceding that this isn't a major demand among citizens, PM Browne said that becoming a republic would "complete the circle of independence to become a truly sovereign nation."
  • He also stated that Antigua and Barbuda would remain a committed member of the Commonwealth even if it decides to become a republic.

Sources: Euro, Guardian, CNN, Al Jazeera, BBC News, and Newsweek.

Narratives

  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Politico. Though King Charles III was voted in to be the next Commonwealth's ceremonial head of state in 2018, he will face hard times to hold the association together now that Queen Elizabeth II has passed away. Republican movements are likely to benefit from his low popularity and the group, which has little practical value, could collapse as it has been sustained so far by personal loyalty to the queen.
  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Daily Mail. While the Commonwealth countries are free to choose their own political system, they are unlikely to find one that works better than a constitutional, limited monarchy. Even if every realm decided to break away from the British monarchy, this wouldn't affect the Commonwealth as most of its countries are republics. King Charles III is the right leader to fight for Queen Elizabeth II's legacy and protect this very important association of free countries.