Vote counting is under way in Britain after polls have closed in a polarizing referendum on whether to leave or to remain in the European Union (EU), with initial results suggesting the race is much closer than expected.
With results in from the first 15 counting areas out of 382 voting districts, those in favor of ending Britain’s 43-year membership were on 51.5 percent of the vote, while those wanting to stay in the EU were on 48.5 percent.
The Leave campaign did well in the North-East of England and Wales, and the Remain camp is ahead in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
“Wow. That could be a very big worry” for UK Prime Minister David Cameron, who is favoring the Remain side, Professor Simon Hix of the London School of Economics told reporters in London.
Opinion polls suggested a win for the Remain campaign, but a better picture will emerge in two to three hours as counting continues around the country.
