Iceland Holds Presidential Election with Three Female Front-Runners

On Saturday, Icelanders went to the polls to elect their seventh president, with 266,935 voters casting ballots to choose from 13 candidates. The top three contenders are women: former Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, equality advocate and businessperson Halla Tomasdottir, and environmental expert Halla Hrund Logadottir.

Katrin Jakobsdottir, leader of the Left-Green Movement, focused her campaign on safeguarding Iceland's core values of democracy, human rights, and equality. Halla Tomasdottir emphasized business ethics, sustainability, and equality, while Halla Hrund Logadottir, an environmental expert, campaigned on her expertise in environmental issues.

Polls released on Thursday showed a close race between the top three candidates. One survey indicated Jakobsdottir with a clear lead, while another suggested a draw between Jakobsdottir and Tomasdottir. A Friday poll published by Morgunbladid showed Jakobsdottir in the lead with 26%, followed by Tomasdottir with 24%, and Logadottir with 19%.

Polling stations opened at 0900GMT, and the first results are expected from 2200GMT. The candidate who secures the most votes will become the head of state in the single-round election and serve for four years. The election results are expected to be announced early Sunday.

Why this matters: This election marks a significant moment for Iceland, with the nation seeking a new leader to guide them through economic challenges and uncertainty. The outcome of this election will have implications for Iceland's future direction and its ability to address these challenges.

Iceland's president holds a ceremonial position in the parliamentary republic, acting as a guarantor of the constitution and national unity. The country faces uncertainty after recent volcanic eruptions and economic challenges, including high inflation and soaring interest rates. This election marks a significant moment for Iceland, with the nation of around 400,000 people seeking a new leader to guide them through these challenges.

Outgoing President Gudni Johannesson, who has held the job since 2016, is not seeking reelection. Johannesson won 92% of the vote in his 2020 reelection, highlighting the popularity of the presidency in Iceland.

The election campaign has focused on various topics, including NATO membership, weapons for Ukraine, the possible sale of Iceland's national power company, and the use of presidential veto powers. Any citizen gathering 1,500 signatures can run for office in Iceland, a country of 380,000 people.

As Iceland awaits the election results, the nation remains focused on the significant role the new president will play. Despite the ceremonial nature of the presidency, the position holds substantial influence as a unifying force in Icelandic society.

Key Takeaways

• Icelanders elect 7th president, choosing from 13 candidates, including 3 female frontrunners.
• Katrin Jakobsdottir, Halla Tomasdottir, and Halla Hrund Logadottir are top contenders.
• Election focuses on democracy, human rights, equality, and environmental issues.
• New president will guide Iceland through economic challenges and uncertainty.
• President holds ceremonial role, but has significant influence as a unifying force.