Italian citizenship referendum void after low turnout

Only about 30% of Italians cast a vote - well below the 50% threshold needed to make a poll binding.

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Around 30% of voters participated - well short of the 50% threshold required to make the vote binding - in the poll, which began on Sunday and ran until 15:00 (14:00 BST) on Monday.

The ballot featured five questions covering different issues, including a proposal to halve the length of time an individual has to live in Italy before they can apply for citizenship from 10 to five years.

The referendum was initiated by a citizens' initiative and supported by civil society groups and trade unions, all of whom campaigned for the Yes vote.

For them, the outcome - which saw turnout levels as low as 22% in regions like Sicily and Calabria - will come as a blow.