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Dutch referendum turnout slightly below threshold, validity at stake:exit poll

Xinhua, April 7, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Dutch advisory referendum on the Ukraine-European Union Association Agreement could be invalid with the voter turnout slightly below the threshold of 30 percent, according to the first exit poll.

A voter turnout of at least 30 percent of all persons entitled to cast a vote will make the referendum valid, but the exit poll by poll agency Ipsos, requested by national broadcaster NOS, showed a turnout of 29 percent. This percentage can according to the NOS still vary by 3 percent upwards or downwards, so the figures are not decisive yet.

In addition, the poll made clear that, as expected, a majority voted against the agreement. A total of 64 percent voted against the Ukraine-European Union Association Agreement and 36 percent voted in favor of the deal. So this outcome is clear and only the turnout figures can prevent a "no" in the referendum.

The final referendum results provide an opinion and are, according to the law, not binding. A majority of "no" voters will force the government to reconsider the Agreement, but does not necessarily mean a final rejection. If the turnout is below the threshold of 30 percent the Dutch cabinet can sign the Agreement as already planned.

The polling stations closed at 9 p.m. and Dutch press agency ANP will announce a preliminary, unofficial result between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., depending on the results available of the different municipalities. The Electoral Council, the central electoral committee, will present the official result on April 12 in The Hague. Enditem