European elections 2019: final hours of voting before results announced – live
Latest news ahead of vote counts across EU member states, including UK, taking part after Brexit negotiations stalled
Italians went to the polls on Sunday after a divisive campaign that left many feeling confused and worried as key parties failed to offer up clear and positive policies for Europe.
“A European election campaign has never felt like this before,” said Gualtieri Pinci after casting his vote at a polling station in central Rome.
Right up until the moment I entered the booth, I didn’t know who to vote for. Politically, everything is very confusing, no party has a clear vision, just lots of vague declarations. I like Europe and regret what I see happening in the UK.
Usually us Italians don’t expect much from voting but the EU elections are important. It’s important that we have peace, solidarity and acceptance of others – I’m afraid of our current government, which is hostile towards anything different.
Turnout could be one of the big stories of the night, with early signs that more people have gone to the polls than in previous European parliament elections.
Turnout was up in early voting in several countries.
#EUelections2019, Poland:
Turnout at midday: 14,39% (7,31% in 2014)
Voting continues till 9pm local time.