Opponents of a successful referendum to slash the number of Italy's lawmakers by a third waged a "worrying" disinformation campaign ahead of the vote, said foreign minister Luigi Di Maio, whose ruling anti-establishment 5-Star Movement campaigned hard for a yes.
Results on Monday indicate 68.96 % of voters approved ratifying legislation cutting members of Italy's lower house of parliament from 630 to 400 and Senators from 315 to 200, compared with 31.04% against.
Turnout in the referendum, which took place during the coronavirus pandemic was around 54% percent according to Italy's interior ministry.
"In recent weeks, the level of disinformation on the referendum has reached worrying levels....with the sole aim of delivering a blow to the government," Di Maio said.
Di Maio thanked all those who backed a yes vote in the referendum but also those who voted no.
"I would like to thank all those Italians who believed in us and in this reform project. But I want to thank all those who voted 'No' and peacefully expressed their views," Di Maio added.