Exit polls predict overwhelming Dutch no vote

Dutch voters rejected the European constitution today by an overwhelming 63 to 37%, according to an exit poll broadcast by Dutch NOS television.

The turnout was 62%, exceeding all expectations, the state-financed broadcaster said.

The exit poll was conducted by Interview-NSS, a private marketing research company hired by NOS and the ANP national news agency. Interviewers questioned thousands of voters at 23 polling stations after they cast their votes.

The result was broadcast as the last polls were closing around the nation. Results were to be broadcast within a few hours.