Dutch say 'No' to EU constitution
Voters in the Netherlands have overwhelmingly rejected the proposed European Union constitution.
Exit polls suggest 63% voted "No" in the referendum. Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, who urged a "Yes" vote, says he will respect the result.
The BBC's William Horsley in Brussels says the ballot has probably delivered a death blow to the constitution, at least in its present form.
It was also rejected by the French in a vote on Sunday.
Mr Balkenende said he was "very disappointed" with the result.
The vote was consultative, and not legally binding, but Mr Balkenende said his government would honour it.
The Dutch parliament is widely expected to endorse it when it meets on Thursday.
Turnout is reported to have been as high as
62%,(wow!!) more than the double the level politicians said was needed for the vote to be accepted as the public's verdict on the treaty.
Mr Balkenende said that despite the result, the ratification process should continue in other countries.
This was echoed in Germany by Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.
Popular discontent
Nine countries have backed the constitution. It needs to be approved by the EU's 25 member states to become law.
The constitution was signed last year, after lengthy negotiations between members states. Its aim was to streamline EU institutions after the admission of 10 new members in 2004.
The government and major opposition parties, making up 80% of the country's MPs, had supported the draft constitution and argued that it would enhance Dutch influence in Europe.
But observers say voters are unhappy about higher prices since the euro and discontented with the centre-right government.
Many also feel threatened by what they see as a superstate that could interfere with liberal policies such as those on gay marriage and euthanasia.
Others disagree with the swift enlargement of the EU, and oppose the possible inclusion of Turkey.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4601439.stm
Well, I expected the outcome, not the huge turnout.. I voted yes, in vain.