CRI听力:Catalonia's Leader Cast Votes on Independence

The President of the Spanish state of Catalonia, along with the head coach of the Bayern Munich football club have cast their votes in a symbolic vote on independence for the region.[Photo: cri.cn]

The President of the Spanish state of Catalonia, along with the head coach of the Bayern Munich football club have cast their votes in a symbolic vote on independence for the region.

Bayern head coach and Catalonian native Pep Guardiola says the symbolic vote on Catalonia's independence from Spain is not simply a romantic notion.

"Everyone needs to know that we are a lot of people. We are not only just four or five people who were inspired by the summer heat and hit the streets asking for whatever. This is about a lot of people who want to be heard and have waited for a long time. "

Catalonian President Artur Mas says he's pleased with the voter turnout.

"Despite the strong difficulties we have found in our way, on November 9th we are right here. The sites to vote are open in Catalonia and a lot of people are participating in this outstanding event."

The Spanish government has denounced the ballot as a "useless sham," saying it is anti-democratic and has no legal effect.

The Catalonian vote is symbolic, as the Spanish Supreme Court has already declared the vote unconstitutional.