Italian voters emphatically rejected a flagship judicial reform championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, dealing a blow to her right-wing coalition ahead of next year's general elections. Meloni posted on social media "clearly, we regret this missed opportunity to modernise Italy".

With most ballots counted after the March 22-23 referendum, the opposition-backed "No" bloc took almost 54% of the vote against 46% who approved of the government drive to rewrite the constitution and revamp Italy's fiercely independent judiciary.

Turnout was much higher than expected at almost 60%, with voters apparently energised by an ill-tempered campaign that laid bare deep animosity between the right-wing coalition and Italy's magistrates, that will leave lasting scars.

The referendum proposed separating the careers of judges and public prosecutors, and splitting magistrates' self-governing body into two sections, with members chosen by lot rather than elected. The government argued the changes were needed to make the judiciary more accountable for its mistakes and prevent politically motivated factions from controlling top jobs.

No plans to resign

On social media platform X, Meloni said "The Italians have decided and we respect this decision. Clearly, we regret this missed opportunity to modernise Italy, but this does not change our commitment to keep working seriously and resolutely for the good of the nation".

She signalled that she does not plan on resigning in light of the defeat.

Around 50 magistrates gathered in the courthouse of the southern city of Naples to follow the count and started singing the anti-fascist anthem of resistance "Bella Ciao" when it became clear the government had lost.

"When a leader loses their magic touch, everyone starts to doubt them, and there is one thing they absolutely cannot do. They can't pretend it is business as usual," said Matteo Renzi, who himself quit as prime minister in 2016 after losing a referendum on his own constitutional reform agenda.

Italian politicians have tried on numerous occasions to alter aspects of the constitution, but have almost always failed.

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