ROSTOV-ON-DON. Sept 27 (Interfax) - More than 86% of the voters who cast ballots in the referendum in Kherson region want it to secede from Ukraine and become part of Russia, regional election commission chairperson Marina Zakharova said on Tuesday, announcing the results after three-quarters of the ballots had been counted.
"As of 8 p.m. Moscow time September 27 we have had more than 76% of the polls' ballots processed. We have a turnout of 76%. More than 86% voted for, and around 13% against," Zakharova told journalists on Tuesday.
The commission had recorded no complaints or violations during the vote, she said.
The final results could be known as early as today, she said. "As soon as all of the ballots have been counted, we will know the final results... We are going at a good pace; everything is real, everything is possible," Zakharova said.
The referendum was held over five days. From September 23 to 26, votes could be cast at ad hoc facilities; the polling stations opened on September 27, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Kherson region is now almost fully controlled by Russian forces as a result of the special operation.