European Movement leader says referendum remains too close to call

Magnús Árni Skjöld Magnússon, chairman of the European Movement, said the referendum was too close to call as the organisation’s supporters gathered for election night, mbl.is reported.

“It is extremely difficult to predict. It is simply 50/50, and there is no way of knowing how this will turn out,” Magnús Árni said at the Yes election-night event, where the venue was beginning to fill despite the early hour.

He said members of the movement would take a break from campaigning after the night, regardless of whether the result was yes or no.

“I think we will take a good break from all campaigning until something else is in sight,” he said.

Magnús Árni said that Iceland would remain deeply involved in European cooperation whatever the outcome.

“No matter how it goes, we are of course deeply involved in European cooperation, and we will continue to be so regardless of the outcome here tonight,” he said.

He said it had been clear throughout the campaign that the European Movement had had fewer financial resources than other groups, but hoped its message had still reached voters.

“We will certainly continue talking about European solidarity and European cooperation, whether the answer is yes or no tonight,” he said.