Initial results of a referendum in Peru indicate voters have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal that would have decentralized power away from Lima.
The rejection of the referendum Sunday is a major political defeat for President Alejandro Toledo, who campaigned vigorously for the measure.
The plan would have created five large regional governments (macroregions) out of 16 of the country's 25 departments.
Critics of Mr. Toledo say the plan failed because of the president's low approval ratings. He has been dragged down by a series of corruption scandals during much of his presidency. Many in the opposition complain that Mr. Toledo failed to adequately inform voters about the measure, adding to the chance it would be defeated.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.