Venice votes in referendum on splitting from Rome

15:21 17.03.2014

Italy, referendum, Venice

Voting has begin in Venice and the surrounding region on whether to
break away from Italy, the BBC reports.

Recent opinion polls suggest that two-thirds of the four million
electorate favour splitting from Rome, but the vote will not be
legally binding.

The poll was organised by local activists and parties, who want a
future state called Republic of Veneto.

This would be reminiscent of the sovereign Venetian republic that
existed for more than 1,000 years.

A focal point for culture, architecture and trade, Venice lost its
independence to Napoleon in 1797.

Online voting is due to continue until Friday.