Iceland referendum leans towards 'yes' - partial results

The 'yes' ​camp in Iceland's ​referendum on ‌starting accession ​talks with the European Union held a ‌slim lead early on Sunday, partial results showed according to the RUV broadcaster. Some ‌51.2% of voters supported the ‌government's proposal to restart negotiations, while 48.8% said no, RUV said, based on some 87,000 ⁠votes ​counted. ⁠270,000 people are eligible to vote in Iceland ⁠but there was not information available ​on turnout.

A 'yes' vote would be ⁠welcomed in Brussels, as some officials cast Iceland ⁠as ​a low-risk case that could help ease scepticism toward EU ⁠enlargement, while its strategic position adds appeal ⁠at ⁠a time of growing focus on Arctic security.