Italiaans referendum over grondwetswijziging (en)

Italians are being called to the polls for the third time in a few months, this time to vote in a referendum on constitutional reforms proposed by Silvio Berlusconi before he lost power in March elections.

The proposed reforms would attribute more powers to Italy's regions while radically redesigning parliament and the legislative process.

Turnout was relatively low on the first day of voting on Sunday (25 June) with 35%. The voting will continue on Monday.

The poll follows the positive outcome of a referendum on a new autonomy statute for the Spanish region of Catalonia earlier this month, granting the region a bigger role in Spain's dealings with the EU.

If the yes vote wins the Italian referendum, this would mean that Italy's 20 regions will have full autonomy over health, schooling and policing.

If the new reforms are accepted, the powers of the prime minister will also increase at the expense of the president.

Prime minister Romano Prodi's centre left government has campaigned vigorously for a "no" vote, arguing that both government and opposition can talk about constitutional changes after the referendum.

The centre left is also insisting the package will destroy national unity, weaken the office of the president and cost the nation more than €250 billion to implement.

Former president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi declared that he would vote "no," in a move boosting Prodi's position.

Mr Ciampi urged Italians to reject the changes, saying that the constitution as it stands is "beautiful, vital and more relevant than ever."

But the opposition coalition argues this is an important opportunity to update the 1948 charter.

The proposed reforms also envisage a cut in the number of parliamentarians by 193 from a total of 945.

Mr Prodi has promised to chop even more heads in parliament if the no camp wins however.

The referendum is another test for Mr Prodi's young administration and a chance for ousted leader Mr Berlusconi to reassert himself on the political scene.

In a controversial declaration during the referendum campaign, Lega Nord leader Umberto Bossi warned his party would "open new fronts" if the "yes" camp loses the vote.

"We won't use guns but I fear the worst. There are a lot of people around who are running out of patience and are starting to become dangerous," he said.

Mr Berlusconi stated that anyone who does not vote "yes" would be "unworthy" of being called Italian.