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 4 Version 5
Iceland historian Johannesson claims victory in presidential election Iceland historian Johannesson wins presidential election
(about 11 hours later)
Historian and political newcomer Gudni Johannesson has claimed victory in Iceland's presidential election. Historian and political newcomer Gudni Johannesson has won 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%. The final count showed 39% of Icelanders voted for him, putting him ahead of a former prime minister and central bank governor.
"All the votes have not been counted, but I think we have won," Mr Johannesson said. Mr Johannesson, 47, had told supporters he would try to be a unifying force.
Mr Johannesson was widely tipped to replace Olafur Ragnar Grímsson, who has held the office since 1996. The poll came amid anger at the elite, some of whom were alleged to hold offshore accounts in the Panama Papers tax evasion investigation.
He told supporters he would make a great effort to be the unifying force that Icelanders want and deserve. The scandal forced the resignation of Prime Minister Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson.
Voices from IcelandVoices from Iceland
Panama Papers Q&A: What is the scandal about?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.
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. However, during campaigning Mr Johannesson - who says he has never been a member of a political party - also called for a constitutional clause allowing citizen-initiated referendums over parliamentary bills.
The scandal forced the resignation of Prime Minister Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson. He said this would ensure the nation always had the final say over the biggest issues affecting it.
Mr Johannesson, 47, is an expert on political history, diplomacy and the constitution, and has not said which political party he supports. As the election took place, about 10% of the island's population was 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 said.
Mr Johannesson 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.