The electorate in Malta's referendum yesterday voted by a narrow margin in favour of the country joining the EU.
Preliminary results showed the 'yes' campaign had obtained 53.5% of the vote in Saturday's poll.
The government says a 'yes' vote is vital for the island's economy and international credibility. The opposition argues that Malta should remain independent.
The opposition labour party claimed the vote was too close for the right to claim victory, and pointed to a lower than usual turnout to show how thousands of voters had registered a protest by not participating.
Turnout for the referendum was 91% and in the last general election was over 96%, in an archipelago where bitter rivalry between the two main parties ensures intense campaigning on any issue.
The result of the referendum is non-binding and will have to be validated by a general election, which is expected to be called soon. The most likely date is April 12, four days before the ten EU candidate countries are due to sign the EU accession treaty in Athens.
