Italians Vote on Judicial Reform in Two-Day Referendum
Rome, Italy – Italians are casting ballots Sunday and Monday in a referendum aimed at revising the country’s judicial system. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time Sunday and will remain open until 11 p.m., resuming Monday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The referendum concerns a constitutional law regarding the organization of the judiciary and the establishment of a disciplinary court.
According to the Interior Ministry, 51,424,729 citizens are eligible to vote, including 5,477,619 residing abroad. This is a confirmatory referendum, meaning no minimum turnout is required for the results to be valid.
Initial figures released by Eligendo, the Interior Ministry’s online platform for tracking election data, show a 14.9% turnout by noon Sunday. This represents an increase compared to previous constitutional referendums, with the exception of the 2016 reform vote which was held over a single day. Turnout at noon in the 2001 referendum on regional powers was 7.8%, while in 2006 it was 10.1%. The 2020 referendum on reducing the number of parliamentarians saw a 12.2% turnout by noon on the first day.
Further turnout data will be released at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Sunday.
President Sergio Mattarella cast his vote in Palermo, Sicily, receiving applause from those present. The President of the Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana, voted in Verona before attending a funeral. Several political figures also participated, including Riccardo Magi of Più Europa, who emphasized the importance of voter participation, and Nicola Fratoianni of Avs, who voted in Foligno. Puglia Regional President Antonio Decaro highlighted the importance of citizens deciding on issues affecting the country’s democratic life.
The referendum focuses on changes to the judicial system, including the separation of careers for prosecutors and judges and the introduction of a lottery system for selecting members of the Council of the Judiciary (CSM). Supporters argue these changes will promote balance and reduce political influence within the judiciary. Opponents contend the reforms will diminish the autonomy of magistrates and expose prosecutors to external interference.
The outcome of the referendum is being closely watched as a key test of the current government’s agenda and its ability to enact significant reforms.
