Iceland votes on restarting EU membership talks

Icelanders are heading to the polls today to decide whether to resume membership negotiations with the European Union. The referendum, which opened ordinary polling stations at 9 AM local time, has seen significant early participation, with nearly one in five eligible voters casting their ballots in advance.

Advanced voting, which began on July 27, included votes cast at public offices, embassies, and consulates. The electoral office reported the highest early turnout ever recorded in the capital region. Approximately 56,774 people had voted by midday Saturday, out of around 270,000 eligible voters, with about 17,000 votes coming from abroad.

The outcome remains uncertain, as recent polls show a virtual tie. Maskína's latest survey gives 50.4% to the 'yes' vote and 49.6% to the 'no' vote. Meanwhile, Gallup indicates 51.6% for 'no' and 48.4% for 'yes'. Both margins fall within the margin of error, highlighting the close division among the electorate.

Counting will begin immediately after polls close at 10 PM local time. Initial partial results are anticipated from the southern district around 10:30 PM, followed by the northeastern district. Data from other constituencies are expected around midnight Icelandic time. No national exit polls have been announced.