Unclear whether 49% support could launch EU talks

Morgunblaðið reports that it remains unclear what would happen if neither the yes nor no side wins more than 50% of the vote in the forthcoming referendum on opening European Union accession negotiations.

Blank or invalid ballots could result in neither side reaching a majority, according to Stefanía Ásbjörnsdóttir, an economist and executive director of the Independence Party’s parliamentary group. She discussed the issue as a guest on the Dagmál programme.

“This is perhaps the big question that no one has answered,” Stefanía said. She added that Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, leader of the Centre Party, had recently tried to press officials on what it would mean to implement the will of the people, but had not received clear answers.

The Venice Commission has stressed that voters should be informed about what happens next depending on the outcome of the referendum.