Neighboring countries Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey have strongly objected to the referendum organized by the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG). Baghdad said it will take all “necessary measures to preserve the unity of the country.”
Voting got underway at 8am local time and it’s scheduled to close at 6pm. The final results should be known within 72 hours. The referendum, which is non-binding, is expected to deliver comprehensive backing for independence.
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25 September 2017
18:28 GMT
The United Nations has reiterated its concerns about the potentially destabilizing effect the Kurdish referendum could have on Iraq and the Middle East.
“The Secretary-General respects the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Iraq and considers that all outstanding issues between the federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government should be resolved through structured dialogue and constructive compromise,” read a statement from spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
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16:30 GMT
The referendum polls closed in most areas at 7:00pm local time after a one-hour extension, Rudaw TV reports, citing the electoral commission. Polls in Kirkuk closed at 6:00pm.
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16:29 GMT
Polls across Iraqi Kurdistan have closed and counting ballots has now begun, Rudaw reports. Voting booths closed at 6pm local time in Kirkuk, and 7pm in most other areas after a one-hour extension.
Turnout was reported at 78 percent until 6pm across Iraqi Kurdistan, Rudaw reports citing the electoral commission.
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15:06 GMT
The referendum turnout is 76 percent one hour before polling stations close, Kurdish Rudaw TV reported.
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14:45 GMT
Kirkuk has declared an overnight curfew in the city following the independence referendum, Reuters reports citing a statement issued by the authorities of the Kurdish-led Iraqi governorate.