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More than 17,000 called to cast their votes on Breton reunification popular referendums

Non-binding votes are being held in June for the first time in all 5 Breton departments · Organizers argue they are working for "a better future for Brittany" · Turnout stood at 15% to 20% in three previous referendums

More than 17,000 people are being called to cast their votes in a new wave of non-binding referendums on the reunification of Brittany, to be held on 7th and 14th June this year. Several self-organized votes are being held since November 2014 under the initiative of Dibab umbrella group.

Up till now, votes in three municipalities have been held; next month eight more municipalities will be added to the list. For the first time, the votes will simultaneously be held in municipalities belonging to all five Breton departaments, including four that make up the official Breton region, plus the department of Loire Atlantique.

Meetings in all eight municipalities are scheduled to start this week so that Dibab can explain to the potential voters how to proceed with the polls.

Referendum promoters argue they want "to create a debate that works toward a better future for Brittany" that is "more democratic and closer to the people."

Breton activists have been for decades demanding reunification of their country. The French National Assembly last year redraw the territorial map of France, but it chose not to change current Breton borders. "As the French government did not ask for the opinion of the populace, we are going to do it," Dibab says.

15% to 20% of eligible voters actually cast their votes in Dibab's three previous non-binding referendums in November 2014 and February 2015. Votes in support for reunification stood at 75% to 80% of the total. Among those who voted for reunification, a large majority also said "yes" to the second question, on the establihsment of an Assembly of Brittany that merges the current Breton regional council and the departments' general councils.