00:00Italians head to the polls to decide whether to approve or reject constitutional changes affecting the judiciary.
00:08The two-day referendum, led by the Conservative Prime Minister Giorgio Malone,
00:14has sharpened political divisions and unified the centre-left opposition.
00:19As of 7pm, according to the Interior Ministry, turnout stood at 38.90% of eligible voters.
00:26This is higher than in previous two-day referendums.
00:29In 2025, just over 16% had voted by 7pm.
00:34Malone says the reform would make the justice system more efficient and less politicised.
00:40But critics argue it could undermine judicial independence and increase political influence over courts.
00:48The most controversial proposal would replace elections for most members of the Superior Council of the Judiciary,
00:55the body that governs judges' careers with a lottery system.
00:59The vote is seen by many commentators as a test for Malone's government one year ahead of national elections.
