Swiss voters appeared yesterday to have narrowly backed the abolition of most border controls with their neighbours, with 52 percent in favour in a referendum, according to the national broadcaster's exit polls.

With results declared in 17 of Switzerland's 26 cantons -- or states -- the "yes" campaign had managed to fend off stiff opposition to the Schengen accord with EU nations Iceland and Norway, according to the Gfs Insitute, which analyses referendums for the SSR-SRG broadcast network.

Full results were expected around 5:00 pm (1500 GMT).

A narrow win for the "yes" had been expected.

The last opinion poll, 12 days ago, showed 55 percent in favour, despite continued euroscepticism from Swiss voters.

Switzerland is not a member of the EU.