The first partial results of Iceland's referendum have started to come in, with rural areas leaning decisively for the 'No' at around 60%. Voters were asked whether to resume EU accession negotiations, frozen since 2013.Turnout appeared as high as in the 2024 parliamentary elections.
Partial results have started to come in with the 'No' heading toward 60% in more rural regions, whereas results are still due for the capital, expected to be more pro-EU.
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The first nearly 10,000 votes scrutinised for the Southern Constituency give 'No' a significant advantage with 59.8% of the votes, against 40.2% for 'Yes'. Similarly, with a little less than 6,000 votes counted, the initial results from the Northwest Constituency see the Eurosceptic camp at 60.8%, and the 'Yes' camp at 39.2%.
The partial results are consistent with expectations, as fisheries and farming, key concerns for EU membership, are particularly important for these regions. 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.