Greece referendum closes with TV polls suggesting \\\'No\\\' lead
Sunday, 5 July 2015
ATHENS: Millions of Greeks have voted Sunday in a crucial referendum that could decide the country's fate in the eurozone, with two TV polls suggesting a 'No' result might prevail. A telephone poll by the Star television channel carried out during voting and the day before gave a 49-54 per cent range for 'No' votes against 46-51 per cent for 'Yes'. A similar Mega channel survey, broadcast shortly after polling ended, suggested a 49.5-53.5 per cent 'No' vote and 46.5-50.5 per cent for 'Yes'. Defence minister Panos Kammenos said in a tweet after polling closed that the Greeks "proved they don't bow to blackmail, to threats". The radical left government of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had lobbied for a 'No' result, arguing it would strengthen its hand in negotiations with international creditors. "No one can ignore the will of the people to live, to live with determination, to take its destiny into its own hands," Tsipras said as he cast his ballot in his Athens neighbourhood, appearing relaxed and wearing an open-necked white shirt, according to a news agency.