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Poll turnout may be less than 50% Poll turnout may be less than 50%
(27 minutes later)
The first figures for the European election on Thursday indicate the turnout could be less than 50%.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. Initial tallies point to a drop in the numbers voting in the last Euro poll - which was 51.72% - as this year's figures are as low as 38.9% in areas.
In the last European election, the turnout was 51.2%. Figures are emerging from the King's Hall in Belfast as the votes are verified ahead of the counting process.
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%. They suggest turnout in Lagan Valley is 38.86%, South Belfast is 42.1 %, South Down is 44.97%, Mid Ulster is 52.83%.
Turn out in West Belfast is 46.6 % whilst in Newry and Armagh is 43.7% Turnout in West Belfast is 46.6 % whilst Newry and Armagh is 43.7%
Some anecdotal accounts have suggested 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.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.