Early indications from the divorce referendum counting hall indicate that the 'yes' is ahead in Malta.

The Labour Party has predicted a 52% victory for the 'yes' camp.

Sources in the two political parties show the 'yes' camp ahead at between 53% and 55% but they stressed that this was still a very early stage of counting and things could change.

Divorce Movement leader Deborah Schembri said her movement was satisfied and the result appeared to be good for Malta, but the movement was keeping its feet on the ground.

The leaders of the Divorce Movement was congratulated in the counting hall while Labour MP Evarist Bartolo, who co-sponsored the Divorce Bill, said the sun was shining for Malta.

Observers standing behind the perspex at the counting hall said that the 'yes' is ahead in the first seven districts, which are all labour-leading. 

Initial indications from the 10th district (Sliema) point  to a 'yes' but the margin is narrow. The same applies for the ninth district and the 12th, while the eighth district is balanced.

The first 500 votes on the 11th district, Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando's district, showed a strong 'no' majority.

The 13th district (Gozo) appears to be returning a very strong 'no' vote and could actually determine where the final result goes.