Resounding Spanish yes for EU constitution

SPANISH voters overwhelmingly endorsed the European Union constitution in a referendum yesterday - but turnout was only about 41%, an exit poll said.

A total of 78.5% of voters backed the constitution, while 16.2% voted against, according to the Ipsos-Eco Consulting poll carried on Spanish National Television. The survey said turnout for the non-binding vote was 41.5%.

Spain’s ruling Socialist Party claimed victory. “The European Constitution has won the referendum in Spain,” said Jose Blanco, a senior party official.