International groups to monitor Iceland referendum

mbl.is reports that Iceland’s National Electoral Commission has authorised several organisations to monitor the referendum, aiming to increase transparency and strengthen voters’ and the public’s trust in the election process and its results.

Authorised observers include a delegation from the British organisation Democracy Volunteers, an expert team from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and Heimssýn, an Icelandic association of supporters of independence in European affairs.

A delegation from the Estonian parliament is also in Iceland to study how the referendum is being conducted. Several foreign journalists are likewise in the country to follow the vote.

Early voting turnout has been high in the run-up to the referendum.