The results of the March 16 referendum on whether Crimea should become part of Russia are expected to be announced on March 17, referendum committee chairman Mykhailo Malyshev said.

"As soon as we receive the last protocol from the territorial commissions and prepare our own, we will announce the results of the referendum. I think it will happen on Monday, March 17," he said.

During the referendum, polling stations will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (local time), instead of 10:00 p.m. as was announced earlier, he added.

Meanwhile, the city's acting mayor Dmytro Belyk told reporters on Thursday that the preliminary results of the referendum could be announced in Sevastopol as early as this Sunday.

"A big concert and marathon with participation of Russian performers will be held non-stop at Nakhimov Square on the referendum day. The results of the plebiscite could probably be announced to all those gathered in Sevastopol's main square just before midnight," Belyk said.