Iceland votes in parliamentary election; climate change, healthcare- topics of concern

Iceland votes in parliamentary election; climate change, healthcare- topics of concern

IANSUpdated: Sunday, September 26, 2021, 03:22 PM IST
article-image
Iceland's Finance Minister, leader and top candidate of the Icelandic Independence Party Bjarni Benediktsson speaks to party delegates in Iceland's capital Reykjavik, on September 25, 2021, during the country's parliamentary elections to elect members of the Althing. | AFP

Voters in Iceland have cast their ballots in the country's parliamentary polls, with healthcare and climate change the main topics of concern.

The results are expected to be announced on Sunday morning after voting closed at 10 p.m. on Saturday, following which counting of the ballots began, reports Xinhua news agency.

Up to 50,000 people, or just over 19 per cent of those on the electoral roll, have already voted, Icelandic public broadcaster RUV said.

According to a Gallup poll on September 24, the three governing parties, namely the Independence Party, the Progressive Party and the Left-Green Movement, could have a combined 50 percent of support with 35 of 63 seats in parliament.

Nine parties are likely to be represented.

Parliament in Iceland is composed of 63 members and elected every four years unless dissolved sooner.

The non-EU country with a population of around 370,000 held its last parliamentary election in 2017.

Katrin Jakobsdottir, leader of the Left-Green Movement, won that election to become prime minister and is seeking re-election.

RECENT STORIES

Pakistan Shocker: Man Shoots Dead Friend For Taking Bite Of His Girlfriend's Burger In Karachi

Pakistan Shocker: Man Shoots Dead Friend For Taking Bite Of His Girlfriend's Burger In Karachi

IN PHOTOS: 'Free Palestine' Protest Takes Violent Turn Across US Universities

IN PHOTOS: 'Free Palestine' Protest Takes Violent Turn Across US Universities

IN PICS: 109 Years Of Armenian Genocide; Silent Marches Observed Across World

IN PICS: 109 Years Of Armenian Genocide; Silent Marches Observed Across World

Project B.T.S: South Korean Nanosatellite Successfully Establishes Connection With Its Ground...

Project B.T.S: South Korean Nanosatellite Successfully Establishes Connection With Its Ground...

Schengen Visa: All You Need To Know About Changes In EU Visa Rules

Schengen Visa: All You Need To Know About Changes In EU Visa Rules