This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36628444
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 2 | Version 3 |
---|---|
Iceland historian Johannesson claims victory in presidential election | |
(about 9 hours later) | |
Historian and political newcomer Gudni Johannesson has claimed victory in Iceland's presidential election. | |
With 32% of votes counted, Mr Johannesson had won 37.8%, broadcaster RUV said, ahead of businesswoman Halla Tomasdottir on 29.9%. | |
"All the votes have not been counted, but I think we have won," Mr Johannesson said. | |
Mr Johannesson was widely tipped to replace Olafur Ragnar GrÃmsson, who has held the office since 1996. | |
About 10% of the island's population is thought to be in France watching the country's footballers at Euro 2016. | |
The Icelandic consulate in France flew ballot papers to the team's hotel in Annecy so that the players could vote on Saturday. | |
However there are no such arrangements for Icelandic fans in France and that could mean a voter turnout of under 65%, low for the Nordic nation, local reports say. | However there are no such arrangements for Icelandic fans in France and that could mean a voter turnout of under 65%, low for the Nordic nation, local reports say. |
Iceland's presidency is a largely ceremonial post. | |
The election comes amid disenchantment with the political elite, some of whom were alleged to hold offshore accounts in the Panama Papers investigation into tax evasion. | The election comes amid disenchantment with the political elite, some of whom were alleged to hold offshore accounts in the Panama Papers investigation into tax evasion. |
The scandal forced the resignation of Prime Minister Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson. | The scandal forced the resignation of Prime Minister Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson. |
Panama Papers Q&A: What is the scandal about? | Panama Papers Q&A: What is the scandal about? |
Voices from Iceland | Voices from Iceland |
Mr Johannesson, 47, is an expert on political history, diplomacy and the constitution, and has not said which political party he supports. | Mr Johannesson, 47, is an expert on political history, diplomacy and the constitution, and has not said which political party he supports. |
He says he is an ordinary father who likes to read, jog and play football and has also translated four books by US horror writer Stephen King. | He says he is an ordinary father who likes to read, jog and play football and has also translated four books by US horror writer Stephen King. |