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Iceland historian Johannesson claims victory in presidential election | Iceland historian Johannesson claims victory in presidential election |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Historian and political newcomer Gudni Johannesson has claimed victory in Iceland's presidential election. | 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%. | 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. | "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. | Mr Johannesson was widely tipped to replace Olafur Ragnar GrÃmsson, who has held the office since 1996. |
He told supporters he would make a great effort to be the unifying force that Icelanders want and deserve. | |
Voices from Iceland | |
Panama Papers Q&A: What is the scandal about? | |
About 10% of the island's population is thought to be in France watching the country's footballers at Euro 2016. | About 10% of the island's population is thought to be in France watching the country's footballers at Euro 2016. |
Mr Johannesson said his first task as president would be to fly to France, to cheer on the team in their second round match against England on Monday. | |
The Icelandic consulate in France flew ballot papers to the football team's hotel in Annecy so that the players could vote on Saturday. | |
However there were 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. | 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. |
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. |