SIMFEROPOL, March 16. /ITAR-TASS/. The turnout at the referendum currently underway in Crimea will be not less than 80%, Crimean Information Minister Dmitry Polonsky said on Sunday.

“Data proves that the turnout exceeds 70%,” the minister said, adding that the joint efforts allowed the authorities to organize the referendum within the shortest period of time. “The team, which is taking the lead in Crimea, has been created recently. It involved young and ambitious politicians.”

“Crimeans have waited for a referendum for a long time. We’re ready to share our experience with Scotland and Catalonia: you'll see how the referendum is organised,” Polonsky said.