Malta has voted "Yes" in a non-binding referendum on legalising divorce, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has conceded, local media report.
Almost three-quarters of the electorate voted on Saturday on whether divorce should be introduced in Malta.
A majority Catholic country, Malta is the only EU country not to allow divorce.
Figures from the electoral commission late on Saturday showed turnout was 72%, the Times of Malta reports.
"Even though the result is not what I wished for, now it is our duty to see that the will of the majority is respected," Dr Gonzi said in a televised speech.
Dr Gonzi, who campaigned against the introduction of divorce, has said it is now up the parliament to enact a law legalising the dissolution of marriage on the island.
The Catholic Church, which is very influential in the archipelago, had also supported a "No" vote during the campaign.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13588834
Note: 29 May 2011 Last updated at 11:02 GMT