Australians vote No in historic referendum

Australia has overwhelmingly rejected a plan to give greater rights to Indigenous people in a referendum. The referendum, dubbed "The Voice", was Australia's first in more than a quarter of a century.

 With almost 70% of the vote counted, the "No" vote led "Yes" 60% to 40%. Its rejection followed a fraught and often ill-tempered campaign.

 Supporters said that entrenching the Indigenous peoples into the constitution would unite Australia and usher in a new era.

 No leaders said that the idea was divisive, would create special "classes" of citizens where some were more equal than others, and the new advisory body would slow government decision-making. 

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