Catalan hopes high in symbolic vote on independence from Spain

More than a million Catalans turned out yesterday to participate in a symbolic referendum on whether the wealthy region should break away from Spain - despite opposition from Madrid.

The "consultation of citizens" follows a legal block by the central government against a more formal, albeit still non-binding, ballot that regional leaders had been pushing for.

The Catalan government said that more than 1.1 million of the 5.4 million eligible voters had voted by 1pm local time at polling stations manned by more than 40,000 volunteers. Voters of all ages were seen lining up to vote, some applauding and carrying Catalan flags. Results are expected this morning.

"Despite the enormous impediments, we have been able to get out the ballot boxes and vote," regional president Artur Mas said after voting at a school in Barcelona where the atmosphere was described as festive.

He also called for a "definitive referendum" on independence, adding: "We deserve the right to vote ... and this is something that maybe is understood in Madrid, but if it is not ... our will is to go on with this process."

The ballot asks voters two questions: should Catalonia be a state, and if so, should it be independent?