Italy Votes on Justice Reform Amid Record Turnout
ROME – Italians are casting ballots in a two-day referendum on a controversial judicial reform package, with early indications pointing to a significantly higher turnout than previous referendums. Polling stations closed Sunday evening, with voting continuing Monday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time.
As of 11 p.m. Sunday, turnout reached 46.07%, according to data released by the Ministry of the Interior’s Eligendo portal. This figure surpasses the participation rate of any other referendum held in Italy this millennium with two days of voting. The high turnout suggests a strong public interest in the proposed changes to the Italian justice system.
The referendum asks voters to approve changes to the rules governing the careers of magistrates, including potentially limiting the power of the self-governing body of the judiciary, the CSM. Supporters of the reform argue it will streamline the judicial process and reduce delays, while opponents fear it could undermine the independence of the judiciary.
Early polling, while indicating a potential advantage for the “Yes” vote, has been met with skepticism by some politicians. Lega Senator Claudio Borghi cautioned against relying on polls, stating they are “made with methods that not even the Moscow pendulum could match.”
The high participation rate makes the outcome particularly significant, according to political analysts. Regardless of the result, the vote is expected to have substantial political consequences, potentially bolstering or weakening the current government, and influencing the trajectory of future elections.
President Sergio Mattarella cast his vote in Palermo on Sunday. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected to vote Monday before the polls close. Other political leaders, including Matteo Salvini and Elly Schlein, have already exercised their right to vote.
The voting process hasn’t been without incident. Reports surfaced of campaign posters for the “No” side being torn down in Garlasco, and allegations of municipal vehicles being used to transport voters to the polls in Naples. Additionally, the Five Star Movement reported instances of representatives of the Brothers of Italy party displaying campaign insignia within polling stations.
Despite these issues, a small moment of progress was noted: for the first time, voters were organized alphabetically rather than by gender, described by Senator Ivan Scalfarotto as “a great gesture of civility.” A 104-year-old woman, Valli Morganti, in Cascina, Tuscany, was reported to be among the oldest voters participating in the referendum.
The final results are expected later Monday, and will be closely watched both within Italy and internationally. The outcome will likely spark debate about the balance between judicial efficiency and independence, and its implications for the rule of law in Italy.
