Referendum begins in UK

(Baonghean.vn) - At exactly 1:00 p.m. on June 23 (Hanoi time), or 7:00 a.m. (UK time), millions of British voters began casting their ballots in the referendum to decide the country's membership in the European Union (EU). This is a decision that will not only affect the future of the UK but also that of the entire 60-year-old union.

A polling station in Heald Green, Stockport, England. Photo: Reuters

The UK Electoral Commission says a record 46.5 million people have registered to vote.

According to plan, polling stations will close at 10pm local time, or 4am on June 24, Hanoi time.

Counting will begin immediately after polling stations close. A total of 382 counting areas have been established, with 380 in England, Wales and Scotland, one in Northern Ireland and one in Gibraltar.

Previously, the results of a telephone survey conducted by polling firm ComRes for the British newspaper "Daily Mail" and ITV showed that the percentage of voters supporting Britain staying in the EU was 6 points ahead of the percentage supporting Brexit (48%/42%), while a poll conducted by YouGov at the same time showed the results were 51%/49% respectively.

The vote counting results are expected to be announced after 10am tomorrow, June 24 (Hanoi time)./.

Lan Ha

(According to AFP)