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Austrians vote in referendum on ending conscription Austrians vote 'to keep conscription'
(about 1 hour later)
Austrians are voting in a referendum to decide whether the country retains compulsory military service or switches to a professional army. Austrians have voted by a wide margin to retain compulsory military service, preliminary results from a nationwide referendum suggest.
Some 60% voted to keep the draft with 40% in favour of setting up a purely professional army, in early results.
The issue has divided politicians in the coalition government, and voters.The issue has divided politicians in the coalition government, and voters.
Supporters of change say a professional army would be more effective, but critics say the move would put Austria's cherished neutrality at risk. Supporters of change said a professional army would be more effective - critics said it would put Austria's cherished neutrality at risk.
Austrian men must serve six months in the army or nine months in civilian service when they reach 18.Austrian men must serve six months in the army or nine months in civilian service when they reach 18.
Opinion polls have predicted a win for those wanting to keep conscription, but with turnout among the 6.3 million electorate expected to be low the result is by no means certain, correspondents say.
Increasingly few European countries demand compulsory military service. France abandoned conscription in 1996, and Germany in 2011.Increasingly few European countries demand compulsory military service. France abandoned conscription in 1996, and Germany in 2011.
Calls for an end to conscription are growing in Austria's neighbour, Switzerland, which is also neutral.Calls for an end to conscription are growing in Austria's neighbour, Switzerland, which is also neutral.
'Best guarantee''Best guarantee'
Currently, some 22,000 men are drafted into military service each year.Currently, some 22,000 men are drafted into military service each year.
Those who do not want to serve must spend nine months working in community jobs, such as ambulance drivers and in senior citizens' homes.Those who do not want to serve must spend nine months working in community jobs, such as ambulance drivers and in senior citizens' homes.
The centre-left Social Democrats say the current make-up of the armed forces does not work for the 21st Century, arguing that a professional army is needed to work more effectively with other European armies.The centre-left Social Democrats say the current make-up of the armed forces does not work for the 21st Century, arguing that a professional army is needed to work more effectively with other European armies.
Defence Minister Norbert Darabos called the current force outdated in an era of "counter-terrorism, cybercrime... [and] failed states".Defence Minister Norbert Darabos called the current force outdated in an era of "counter-terrorism, cybercrime... [and] failed states".
But the conservative People's Party is arguing against change. Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner said the current system "fits Austria like a glove and is the best guarantee for all future challenges". But the conservative People's Party argued against change. Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner said the current system "fits Austria like a glove and is the best guarantee for all future challenges".
Opponents fear the move will not only prove more costly, at a time when Austria is trying to cut spending, but will also push the country towards membership of Nato and the abandonment of neutrality they have observed since 1955. Opponents feared the move will not only prove more costly, at a time when Austria is trying to cut spending, but would also push the country towards membership of Nato and the abandonment of neutrality they have observed since 1955.
Army Chief of Staff Gen Edmund Entacher has also warned that changes to the current set-up would lead "irreversibly to a drop in quality, numbers and ability". Army Chief of Staff Gen Edmund Entacher also warned that changes to the current set-up would lead "irreversibly to a drop in quality, numbers and ability".