A turnout of 20.3% has been announced by Bulgaria's Alfa Research polling agency minutes before the closing of the polling sections at 7 pm in Bulgaria's first national referendum since 1989.

The referendum asks the question "Should nuclear energy be developed in the Republic of Bulgaria through the construction of a new nuclear power plant?"

The vote will be binding if the number of votes equals that of votes at the last parliamentary elections, 4,225,124, and if more than half of them vote "yes".

If less people vote on the referendum, but if the turnout is over 20%, and more than half of the votes are positive, then the question is tabled for debate to parliament.

At 10 am, the Central Electoral Commission had reported a turnout of 2.1%, at 1 pm it rose to 9.34%, and to 17.4% at 5 pm.

The Alfa Research results register voting activity at 6 pm.

According to the same agency, 60% of the voters have said "yes" to the question; 40% - have cast a "no" ballot.

Four polling agencies are registered by Bulgaria's Central Electoral Commission to conduct the exit polls for the referendum – Alfa Research, Balkan British Social Services, Sova Harris, and Afis.

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