With more than 40 per cent of voters already having cast their ballots in a series of referendums -Italy’s prime minister is bracing himself for a major political defeat.

It is looking increasing likely that the required 50 per cent turnout will be achieved over the two-day vote for the opposition sponsored questions.

The four issues concern the price and privatisation of water utilities, nuclear energy and whether government ministers can be exempt from attending trials against them.

If sufficient voters do turn out and repeal the existing laws by voting yes the result will be seen as yet another rejection of Silvio Berlusconi- he’s been campaigning for a no vote.

After a poor performance in local elections the referendums could be the knock-out blow against Italy’s centre-right government.