Prospects for FYROM name deal unclear after low referendum turnout

As a referendum on changing the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia attracted a low turnout on Sunday night, the prospects for the so-called Prespes deal between Athens and Skopje, and for the FYROM government, appeared unclear. 

According to FYROM's state election commission, voter turnout stood at 28.8 percent two hours before the polls closed, with the figure estimated at 34 percent when voting ended at 7 p.m. local time. The "yes" vote was believed to be at least 80 percent. 

In comments to reporters, FYROM Prime Minister Zoran Zaev put on a brave face regarding the result, declaring that despite a "boycott" of the vote by protesters, he expected that the majority voted "yes" and that the result should be reflected in Parliament.

"Decisions are taken by those who vote. The vote is final and the decision of citizens cannot be ignored," he said,...

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