Sixty percent of Australians prefer to keep monarchy: poll
Sydney, Australia, Sep 13 (EFE).- Sixty percent of Australians prefer to maintain the monarchy compared to 40 percent who believe the nation should become a republic with an elected president, according to a published survey Tuesday.
The survey, carried out by consulting firm Roy Morgan after the death of Queen Elisabeth – Australia’s head of state – shows the number of monarchists has grown by 5 percent in the last decade.
The survey was conducted Monday, a day after King Charles was proclaimed monarch and head of state of the commonwealth country, through text messages with a sample of 1,012 people.
Among those in favor of maintaining ties with the British crown, the support of women stands out (with 66 percent) compared to men (with 54 percent.)
By age, the greatest division of opinions is found in the range of those under 35 years of age (with 52 percent of monarchists versus 48 percent of republicans), while the majority of support for the monarchy is between those aged 50 and 64 (with 67 percent in favor.)
Monarchists question the need for change by showing distrust in politicians in the event of the country becoming a republic, according to the poll.
Those who prefer a republic say there must be an Australian head of state for the country to be a completely independent nation, adding that the monarchy does not represent the current society and consider it a colonial vestige and an insult to first nation people.
The death Thursday of Queen Elizabeth has reopened in Australia the debate on the need to hold a referendum on the monarchy.
During this year’s election campaign, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he promised to promote a popular consultation if he is re-elected for a second term, but on Monday he said that at this time it is not appropriate to speak of a constitutional change.
In November 1999, the country held a referendum on whether Australia should become a republic, in which 54.87 voted against. EFE
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