Iceland closes polls as EU talks referendum votes are counted

Iceland has closed polling stations and begun counting votes in a referendum on whether to restart membership talks with the European Union, mbl.is reports.

The result is expected to be close, based on the latest opinion polls. Counting for the two Reykjavík constituencies will take place at Laugardalshöll, a venue in Reykjavík.

Turnout in Reykjavík stood at 56.81 percent at 9pm, one hour before polling stations closed. Turnout at the same time in Iceland’s 2024 parliamentary election was 60.81 percent.

In the Southwest constituency, 54.5 percent, or 44,054 of 80,890 registered voters, had cast ballots by 8pm. In the South constituency, turnout was 59.42 percent at the same time.

Voting had already ended in several municipalities in the South. Turnout reached 84.5 percent in Hornafjörður, 80.92 percent in Mýrdalshreppur, 86.12 percent in Skaftárhreppur and 87.64 percent in Flóahreppur.