Serb constitution vote passes 50 pct threshold-TV

BELGRADE, Oct 29 (Reuters) The referendum on Serbia's new constitution has achieved the required minimum turnout of 50 percent of the electorate, Serbia's state television said today.

The ballot got off to a slow start yesterday and today, raising fears that it might fail because of voter apathy. The latest official figures showed turnout at 47 percent by 6 pm (1700 GMT), with two hours to go before polls close.

The constitution needs 50 percent of the 6.6 million electorate to vote 'Yes' in order to pass.

Reuters DH VP0045