By Crispian Balmer and Angelo Amante ROME, March 23 (Reuters) - Italian voters emphatically rejected a flagship judicial reform championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, dealing a blow to her right-wing coalition ahead of next year's general elections.

The prime minister admits defeat in the high-stakes vote on a justice reform package but vows to keep her seat.

Giorgia Meloni has conceded defeat in a referendum on judicial reforms but said she will continue as Italy’s prime minister despite the setback.

Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, had acquired an aura of invincibility since her right-wing coalition took office after an election in September 2022. Her government is the third longest-serving in Italy since the second world war and,

Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, casts her vote during the referendum on reforms to Italy’s justice system - Remo Casilli/Reuters Giorgia Meloni has suffered a defeat in a referendum widely seen as a verdict on her leadership of Italy.

Early exit polls on Monday suggested that Italian voters were narrowly rejecting a proposed constitutional reform of the judicial system, with the “No” vote holding a slight lead in a closely contested referendum.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has acknowledged defeat in a referendum aimed at reforming Italy's justice system. The opposition's 'No' vote garnered around 54%, outpacing the government's 'Yes' support.