ROME – Matteo Salvini, leader of the Lega Nord political party, says he is “not worried” about the outcome of the referendum on Sunday, certain that the “votes for No shall exceed any Yes votes invented or bought by Renzi from around the world.”

 Speaking to reporters in front of Palazzo Chigi, Salvini said, “I think that consulates and embassies are getting up to all sorts of things. But I count on the fact that the vote of the Italian people -- the Romans, the Milanese, those from Turin or Naples -- will be a vote for the No campaign which will exceed any Yes votes invented or bought by Renzi from around the world. I am not worried.”

 In response, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who recently said he believes the vote is currently on a knife edge, retaliated, “I do not understand why they talk about fraud, just to increase the tension and stir controversy?”

 Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni also fought back, claiming, “Speaking of international fraud; not only does this not make sense but it is also offensive to all institutions which carry out this task,” referring to those who conduct the overseas voting.

 Renzi has diplomatically responded to questions regarding the possibility of a ‘No’ win, saying, “I hope that we win, but in any case we must respect the vote of the citizens (…) It has been a great referendum campaign. Sometimes people were insulting and offensive, but a load of people have been able to access politics and it’s a great thing when passions are allowed to surface.”

 The final day of the electoral campaign shall see the Prime Minister travel to Palermo, Reggio Calabria and finally Florence.

 sw