EU referendum turnout passes 30% threshold
01/06/2005 - 16:25:42The turnout in the Dutch referendum on the European constitution passed 30% today, the threshold set by political parties for accepting the public’s verdict as legitimate, Dutch broadcasters reported.
The results of the referendum are non-binding and are meant to advise the Parliament on whether it should ratify the constitution.
But all major parties have said they would accept the public’s will as long as the turnout exceeded 30% and the result was clear.
RTL news and the national NOS broadcaster said nationwide turnout was 31% at 4pm (3pm Irish time), with five hours left before the polls close.
In previous elections, the heaviest rush to vote came after work hours.
The turnout was unexpectedly heavy for a European issue. The last two elections for the Dutch parliament saw about 80% of the electorate voting, but only half that figure turned out for the European Parliament elections last year.
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