Greece: 'Oxi', 'Nai' signs abound in Athens as voters decide on bailout

As 9.9 million eligible voters make their choice in Greece's crunch referendum, Sunday the streets of Athens remain adorned with posters extolling the virtues of voting 'Yes' or 'No'. Polls are open for 12 hours from 0700-1900. The first results are expected to be called around 21.00 local time (18.00 GMT), with counting ongoing through the night. The Greek government closed the country's banks on Monday, as well as imposing limits on cash withdrawals until July 6. A 'No' vote by the Greek people would reject new austerity measures that are demanded by Greece's creditors, while a 'Yes' would accept the institutions' conditions for a new Greek bailout package. Banks have €1 billion ($1.1bn) left before their money runs out, enough for each Greek resident to withdraw €90 ($100), the head of Greek Banks Union told reporters. Emergency funds are therefore required from the European Central Bank on Monday, irrespective of the result of the plebiscite. Shortages in basic provisions have been reported nationally, although Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis has assured the Greek people that the government has stockpiled reserves. The estimated cost of the referendum, capital controls and bank closures on the Greek economy is €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion), a number that will have to be added to Greek debt in some form.