Rome: Italians began voting on Sunday in a series of referendums on labour reforms and speeding up the naturalization process. The two-day referendums conclude on Monday, with most measures focusing on labour law, including protections against dismissal, higher severance payments, conversion of fixed-term contracts into permanent ones, and liability in workplace accidents.

According to Ghana News Agency, the fifth referendum addresses the naturalization process, proposing citizenship eligibility after five years of Italian residency for non-EU citizens, compared to the current requirement of at least 10 years. Polling stations opened at 7 am (0500 GMT) on Sunday, with results anticipated after polls close on Monday at 3 pm. Over 51 million people are eligible to vote.

Referendum outcomes are binding only if at least half of eligible voters participate. Historically, low turnout has caused many of the 78 referendums held in Italy to fail. These referendums arose from initiatives by trade unions and the left-wing opposition. The right-wing coalition in Rome, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is advising its supporters to abstain.

Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy, has led a coalition of three right-wing and conservative parties since late 2022.