ITALY: Italians resoundingly rejected a proposal to overhaul Italy's constitution yesterday as voters rewarded the new government and delivered a fresh blow to former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi two months after he lost power.
Results from all polling stations, except those overseas, showed 61.7 per cent of the voters in a two-day, nationwide referendum turned down the plan to strengthen the prime minister's powers and give more autonomy to the regions.
The result was a fillip for new prime minister Romano Prodi, who campaigned against the changes, arguing they would threaten national unity, weaken the presidency and cost billions.
The referendum was especially important to Mr Berlusconi, whose future as opposition leader could now be in doubt after he narrowly lost April's elections to the centre-left.
Partial results showed heavy turnout across the country and a "No" vote even in the north, where the centre-right's devolution lobby was strongest.
Five hours after polls closed, Mr Berlusconi had still not commented on the defeat.
Northern League leader Umberto Bossi sought to put a good face on defeat. "Even in Scotland and Wales they voted several times," he said in conceding defeat.