Australia has begun early voting in a landmark referendum on enacting an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
If approved, the reform would recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the country’s constitution and establish a permanent body for them to advise the government.
The country has not had a successful referendum in almost 50 years.
Opinion polls had long-shown support for the proposal, but as the vote nears the No side appears to be leading.
While the majority of Australians will vote on 14 October, those who are unable to can vote at select polling centres right across the country from Tuesday.
The Voice to Parliament was recommended by a historic document in 2017 called the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Drafted by more than 250 Indigenous leaders, the statement is considered the best though not unanimous call to action for reforms on issues affecting First Nations Australians. It also lays out a longer process of treaty-making and truth-telling.
But the Voice proposal has become the subject of fierce debate in Australia, and a lightning rod for misinformation and racist abuse.
BBC / Titilayo Kupoliyi
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