The main opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) is defending the right of Commonwealth citizens to vote in general elections and has vowed to oppose any move to alter that arrangement.

ALP Chairman Gaston Browne is insisting that individuals who have lived in the country for a number of years, who pay taxes and contribute to the development of the country, should have a say in who represents them.

He said while the ALP is aware that the proposal to limit voting rights to citizens resonates with many indigenous Antiguans and Barbudans, such a policy change could be dangerous.

He said such a change will result in thousands of Commonwealth citizens being disenfranchised, adding that the naturalisation process will also be subject to political manipulation.