DHAKA: The majority of Spaniards want a referendum on the future of the monarchy, according to a poll published on Sunday, less than a week after King Juan Carlos abdicated in favor of his son.

Nearly two-thirds, 62 percent, believe a referendum should be held ‘at some point’ to decide whether Spain should continue to have a monarchy, the survey in centre-left daily newspaper El Pais showed, reports The Straits Times.

Within hours of the 76-year-old king’s announcement on June 2 that he was abdicating in favor of his son, thousands of people massed in central Madrid and other cities to demand a referendum on the monarchy.

Thousands took to the streets again on Saturday, calling for a popular vote on the issue.

BDST: 1611 HRS, JUNE 08, 2014