Partial results show ‘No’ leading in Iceland’s EU referendum votes
Partial results from the Southern Constituency indicate ‘No’ leads with 59.8% of the votes, while ‘Yes’ has 40.2%, based on nearly 10,000 votes counted.
Preliminary figures indicate that voter turnout may exceed 80%, underscoring significant public engagement in this pivotal decision regarding EU accession negotiations.
“Preliminary figures indicate a significant preference for the ‘No’ option, reflecting the area’s strong concerns regarding EU membership.”
Iceland’s EU referendum: first partial results start to flow in
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Partial results from the Southern Constituency give ‘No’ a significant advantage with 59.8% of the votes, against 40.2% for ‘Yes’, with nearly 10,000 votes scrutinised.
The partial results are consistent with expectations, as fisheries, a key concern for EU membership, is particularly important for this region. More generally, rural areas are expected to be more Eurosceptic, whilst the capital Reykjavík is expected to be more pro-EU.
Polling stations closed at 10:00 pm local time on Saturday for Iceland’s high-stakes EU referendum. Vote counting is currently underway, and new results are steadily coming in.
On Saturday, Icelanders were called to vote on whether to resume accession negotiations with the European Union or abandon any prospect of joining the bloc for the foreseeable future. Around 272,000 individuals were eligible to vote.
According to preliminary figures, voter turnout was higher than, or at least comparable to, the 2024 parliamentary elections, when it reached 80%, according to local media.
Until a few days before the vote, polls suggested a neck-and-neck race, with the pro-European camp’s advantage steadily eroding.
“Should Iceland resume accession negotiations with the European Union?” was the question on the ballot.
Iceland applied for EU membership following the 2009 financial crisis, but froze the talks after the election of a Eurosceptic government in 2013.
Further results are expected through the night as counting continues.
This story is constantly being updated with new information.