Oli
13-09-03, 15:05
EUOBSERVER / ESTONIA - More than 70% of Estonians will vote in favour of joining the European Union, estimates Estonian research centre Faktum. Such high support it maintains is explained by the fact that most undecided voters will probably vote 'yes'.
Recent polls give varying results. However, all of them suggest that more than half the Estonians will vote 'yes'.
The most recent poll ordered by Eesti Päevaleht (EPL) and conducted by Faktum shows that 56% of Estonians will support joining the EU and 16% are still undecided.
Great hesitance
The social atmosphere suggests that the battle has ended, and most of the people will vote 'yes', explained Juhan Kivirähk from Faktum to EPL.
However, this high support does not mean that people are of the same opinion on the EU - many of the 'yes' votes will be given with great hesitance, Mr Kivirähk added.
Despite the polls, eurosceptics have not yet given up. Martin Helme of Research Centre Free Europe (RCFE) told the EUobserver, "Our hope remains until the last vote has been counted".
Influence on Latvia
Mr Helme believes that whatever Estonia decides on Sunday (14 September), will have great influence on the Latvian result noting, "If Estonians say 'no' then the Latvians will do the same".
Even if Estonians vote for EU membership the 'no' vote is still possible in Latvia, he added.
The latest poll by InMind shows that 51.3% of Latvians will vote for EU membership. The EU referendum in Latvia will take place on the 20 September, a week after the Estonian referendum.
Written by Marit Ruuda
Recent polls give varying results. However, all of them suggest that more than half the Estonians will vote 'yes'.
The most recent poll ordered by Eesti Päevaleht (EPL) and conducted by Faktum shows that 56% of Estonians will support joining the EU and 16% are still undecided.
Great hesitance
The social atmosphere suggests that the battle has ended, and most of the people will vote 'yes', explained Juhan Kivirähk from Faktum to EPL.
However, this high support does not mean that people are of the same opinion on the EU - many of the 'yes' votes will be given with great hesitance, Mr Kivirähk added.
Despite the polls, eurosceptics have not yet given up. Martin Helme of Research Centre Free Europe (RCFE) told the EUobserver, "Our hope remains until the last vote has been counted".
Influence on Latvia
Mr Helme believes that whatever Estonia decides on Sunday (14 September), will have great influence on the Latvian result noting, "If Estonians say 'no' then the Latvians will do the same".
Even if Estonians vote for EU membership the 'no' vote is still possible in Latvia, he added.
The latest poll by InMind shows that 51.3% of Latvians will vote for EU membership. The EU referendum in Latvia will take place on the 20 September, a week after the Estonian referendum.
Written by Marit Ruuda