Australia's Indigenous Referendum: Setback for Reconciliation and Promised Change

Australia has rejected a proposal to recognize Indigenous people in the constitution, dealing a major setback to the country's reconciliation efforts. With 45% of the vote counted, the "No" vote led "Yes" by 57.35% to 42.65%. At least four states - New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland, and South Australia - are projected to vote against altering the constitution. The proposal aimed to create an Indigenous advisory body called the "Voice to Parliament." Indigenous citizens, who make up 3.8% of the population, have long been disadvantaged and excluded from the constitution. The referendum loss is seen as a setback for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has championed the Voice to Parliament.