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Voter turnout down on last poll Poll turnout may be less than 50%
(about 5 hours later)
Voter turnout in Thursday's European election is expected to be less than 50%, the BBC has learned. The first figures for the European election on Thursday indicate the turnout could be less than 50%.
About 1,600 ballot boxes containing votes from 662 polling stations have been stored overnight in the King's Hall in Belfast.About 1,600 ballot boxes containing votes from 662 polling stations have been stored overnight in the King's Hall in Belfast.
In the last European election, turnout was 51.2%. However, an official turnout figure for 2009 will emerge after the ballot papers are verified on Friday. In the last European election, the turnout was 51.2%.
The seven candidates will not know their fate until Monday. Initial figures indicate that turnout this time in Lagan Valley is 38.86%, in South Belfast is 42.1 %, in South Down is 44.97% and in Mid Ulster is 52.83%.
The count is being delayed until after all the European union member states have completed their voting. Turn out in West Belfast is 46.6 % whilst in Newry and Armagh is 43.7%
Some anecdotal accounts suggest weaker polling in unionist and working class areas. Some anecdotal accounts have suggested weaker polling in unionist and working class areas.
However, the seven candidates will not know their fate until Monday as the count is being delayed until after all the European union member states have completed their voting.
Meanwhile, polling stations in the Republic of Ireland have opened for voting in the European, local and by-elections.Meanwhile, polling stations in the Republic of Ireland have opened for voting in the European, local and by-elections.
For the first, time immigrant candidates will be standing, not just as independents, but for all the main political parties in the local elections with the exception of Sinn Fein.For the first, time immigrant candidates will be standing, not just as independents, but for all the main political parties in the local elections with the exception of Sinn Fein.