People standing in line! People standing in front of buildings! And people talking to reporters? You betcha! The Reykjavík Grapevine will be covering all the heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping, nail-biting action of the national referendum on Icesave as it happens, in real time!
According to RÚV, early voting – which ended at 22:00 – showed some 12,300 people submitting ballots. Among those in attendance was the president of Iceland himself. The Prime Minister has already told reporters she does not intend to vote, while the Minister of Finance chose to remain silent on the matter.
To those of you foreign journalists following this, you’re probably all well aware that about 75% of the nation intends to vote against the current Icesave law. You probably think this is a foregone conclusion, so you might as well kick back and take it easy with the hotel minibar. THINK AGAIN! Remember “Dewey Defeats Truman”? Ever wonder what became of the guy who wrote that headline? Do you want to be that guy? Do you?
Yes, it’s a vote on a law that isn’t even on the table anymore, and will have absolutely no effect whatsoever on negotiations with British and Dutch authorities, as all sides have said that negotiations will continue regardless of the result. Yes, it’s more or less on par with piling up 200 million ISK in Austurvellir and setting it on fire. But … but … yeah! You can’t bully us! Take THAT, Gordon Brown!
Grapevine liveblog coverage will begin at 10:00. Expect to have your mind blown. This is going to make Obama’s election as president of the United States look like an Eagle Scout merit badge ceremony. Prepare to be ASTOUNDED!
UPDATE: Liveblogging has begun.
(Image: fotolia.com)