The UK referendum begins

(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 Britain but also of this 60-year-old union.

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

The UK Electoral Commission says the number of people registered to vote has reached a record 46.5 million.

According to plan, polling stations will close at 10:00 p.m. local time, or 4:00 a.m. on June 24, Hanoi time.

Counting will begin immediately after polling stations close. A total of 382 counting areas have been set up, including 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)