Voters in Spain have, as expected, approved by an overwhelming majority the new EU constitutional treaty. With 99 per cent of the votes counted in a referendum, the national figures issued last night in Spain were 76.6 per cent Yes, 17.4 per cent No, and 6 per cent spoiled or blank votes, writes Deaglán de Bréadún, Foreign Affairs Correspondent, in Madrid.
The turnout of just over 42 per cent was better than some supporters of the constitution had feared. However, it was still insufficient to give the ratification process the boost it requires in other member-states.
The constitutional treaty is a new rulebook for the EU which merges and simplifies existing treaties, incorporates a Charter of Fundamental Rights and creates major new positions such as president of the European Council, serving up to five years, and an EU foreign minister heading a new European diplomatic service.
It has to be ratified by all member-states in order to take effect, and the process will take almost two years.
Spain is regarded as one of the more pro-European member-states, and since becoming a member in 1986 has received some €86 billion in subsidies from Brussels to boost its economy and infrastructure.
The official turnout for the referendum, with almost all votes in, was 42.4 per cent, slightly lower than the Spanish turnout for the European Parliament elections last June which was 45.9 per cent.
A turnout of 40 per cent was generally regarded as the politically-acceptable minimum.
Nine other member-states, including Ireland, are also planning referendums, while the rest are conducting the ratification process at parliamentary level.
Referendums in the UK, France, Poland and the Czech Republic are considerably more problematic than the Spanish vote.
Ireland is expected to hold its referendum in late October, although the timing could be affected by a negative result in this summer's French vote.
Spain's Prime Minister, Mr Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, had staked his political reputation on getting strong approval for the constitution from the electorate.
During an energetic campaign he repeatedly stressed that the eyes of Europe would be on Spain yesterday.
A total of 34.6 million Spanish voters were eligible to answer the question: "Do you approve the treaty establishing a constitution for Europe?"
King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia were among the first to vote after the polls opened at 9 a.m.
"Today we are taking a decision of huge importance for the future of a united Europe. A very important decision for Spain, for its future and well-being," Mr Zapatero said after voting. "For that reason, I appeal to all citizens to participate."
The main government and opposition parties supported a Yes vote, although there were accusations by the ruling Socialists that their Popular Party opponents were sending mixed signals to supporters.
The Cortes, the Spanish parliament, still needs to ratify the document, but Mr Zapatero said in advance that he would respect the popular vote.