Sunday, May 29, 2005
 

The first exit poll, just published, has shown that 55% of French voters have rejected the new proposed European Constitution. The result which was quoted on French national TV confirms widespread speculation among political commentators that France would say no by a considerable margin - opinion polls before the vote showed 56% were against the constitution.
It is believed that a significant majority of Frances 42m eligible voters have exercised their right to vote.  Turnout is thought to have exceeded 70%. Polling ended at the 55,000 polling stations across the country 8pm, except in Paris and Lyon where voting finished at 10pm.


Related news

"Bundestag approves EU Constitution" — Wikinews, May 13, 2005
"German Parliament votes yes on EU constitution; French referendum may vote no" — Wikinews, May 28, 2005
"Spain says Yes to EU constitution" — Wikinews, February 21, 2005


Sources
 France Rejects EU Treaty in Setback to Chirac, Integration — Bloomberg, May 29, 2005
 France 'rejects EU constitution' — BBC News, May 29, 2005
 France rejects EU treaty, Europe faces crisis — Reuters, May 29, 2005
 Polling closes in French EU vote — BBC News, May 29, 2005


External links
Gateway to the European Union  - Official EU website
Reader-friendly edition of the EU Constitution — Highlights and commentary (PDFs).
European Yes Campaign - Official website
European No Campaign - Official website