Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has resigned after suffering a heavy defeat in a referendum over his plan to reform the constitution.
In a late-night statement, he said took responsibility for the outcome. He said the No camp must now make clear proposals.
An exit poll for state broadcaster RAI suggests 42-46% voted to back reform, compared with 54-58% voting No.
The first projections based on the official count point to a wider defeat.
Early indications have the Yes vote at 39-43% and the No at 57-61%.
The referendum was regarded as a barometer of anti-establishment sentiment in Europe.
The vote asked about plans to streamline parliament but it was widely seen as a chance to register discontent with the prime minister.
Populist parties supported a No vote.
