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Turnout in Scotland’s independence referendum exceeds 80%

According to the YouGov public opinion service, 54% of people who came to the polling stations voted against independence and 46% for it

© EPA/ANDY RAIN

EDINBURGH, September 19. /ITAR-TASS /. The turnout in Scotland’s independence vote exceeded 80% on Thursday, according to the first results.

The first data indicate that 84% and 89% of people voted in the referendum in the Orkney Islands in the north and Clackmannanshire in the central part of Scotland, respectively.

BBC said such high turnout might signify that it would take longer for the final results to be announced.

Initially, it was planned that the official figures would become known by 08:00 local time Friday.

At first, the tellers will count the total number of ballots cast and then the votes themselves.

According to the YouGov public opinion service, 54% of people who came to the polling stations voted against independence and 46% for it.

Its earlier poll published on September 6 made quite a sensation with 51% of people favouring secession from the United Kingdom and 49% being against it.

No exit polls were conducted for reasons of costs and inaccuracy.

If Scotland votes for independence, it will be declared on March 24, 2016. Until then, Edinburgh and London will have to agree on the terms of secession.

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