Centre Party deputy leader stays optimistic as yes side leads

Snorri Másson, deputy chairman of Iceland’s Centre Party, said the referendum result could remain close despite the yes side leading with 51.2 per cent in the first figures from all constituencies, mbl.is reported.

“I would say the picture is largely in line with the opinion polls. We have simply received relatively uneven figures from all constituencies. It is clear that this is going to be a long night,” Snorri said.

He said he remained optimistic and expected the gap between the two sides to narrow as the count continued.

Snorri said the nation was divided, but that there was considerable support for the no side. He pointed in particular to strong support among young people.

“People would probably have been surprised a few years ago by how strongly young people, for example, have united behind this cause of defending sovereignty in all areas and so on,” he said.