Antigua and Barbuda 2018 Constitutional Referendum
On 6 November 2018, Antigua and Barbuda conducted a landmark event in its political history: the nation's first-ever constitutional referendum. The vote centered on a pivotal change to the country's judicial structure, asking citizens to decide the final authority for legal appeals within the state.
The Proposed Judicial Shift
The core of the Constitution Amendment Bill 2018 was a proposal to alter the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda regarding its highest legal authority. The bill sought to terminate the role of Her Majesty in Council—commonly known as the Privy Council—as the final court of appeal. The Privy Council is a London-based judicial body that has historically served as the ultimate court for many Commonwealth nations.
In its place, the government proposed the adoption of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The CCJ was designed to provide a regional alternative for final appellate jurisdiction, moving the highest level of legal decision-making from the United Kingdom to the Caribbean.
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Referendum Results and Requirements
For the amendment to be successfully adopted, the law required a high threshold of support: a quorum of 66.6% of valid votes in favor. However, the final tally showed that the proposal did not meet this requirement, nor did it achieve a simple majority.
Out of 52,999 registered voters, 17,782 people cast their ballots, resulting in a turnout of 33.55%. The majority of voters opted to maintain the status quo, rejecting the transition to the CCJ.
| Choice | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 8,509 | 47.96% |
| No | 9,234 | 52.04% |
| Valid Votes | 17,743 | 99.78% |
| Invalid or Blank | 39 | 0.22% |
| Total Votes | 17,782 | 100.00% |
Key Facts
- Date: 6 November 2018.
- Historical Significance: This was the first referendum ever held in Antigua and Barbuda.
- Objective: To replace the London-based Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
- Outcome: The amendment failed to pass.
- Voter Turnout: 33.55% of registered voters participated.
- Approval Threshold: A 66.6% majority of valid votes was required for success.
- Regional Context: Grenada held a similar referendum on joining the CCJ on the same day, which also failed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the 2018 referendum?
The referendum was held to determine if Antigua and Barbuda should replace the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as its final court of appeal.
Did the Constitution Amendment Bill 2018 pass?
No, the bill failed to pass. Only 47.96% of voters voted "Yes," falling short of both a simple majority and the required 66.6% quorum.
What was the voter turnout for the election?
The turnout was 33.55%, with 17,782 total votes cast from a pool of 52,999 registered voters.
Which other country held a similar vote on the same day?
Grenada also held a referendum on joining the Caribbean Court of Justice on 6 November 2018, and that vote also failed to pass.
What is the Privy Council?
The Privy Council (or Her Majesty in Council) is a judicial body based in London that serves as the final court of appeal for several independent Commonwealth nations and overseas territories.