REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — Voters in Iceland joined a world pattern of punishing incumbents in a parliamentary election, with a center-left social gathering profitable the most important share of votes within the North Atlantic island nation.
With all of the votes tallied on Sunday, the Social Democratic Alliance had gained 15 seats within the 63-seat parliament, the Althingi — greater than doubling its whole — and secured virtually 21% of votes, in line with nationwide broadcaster RUV. The conservative Independence Party, which led the outgoing authorities, had 14 seats and a 19.4% vote share, and the centrist Liberal Reform Party 11 seats and about 16% of votes.
Three different events additionally gained seats. Social Democrat chief Kristrún Mjöll Frostadóttir, 36, will possible attempt to search coalition companions to command a parliamentary majority.
Icelanders voted Saturday after disagreements over immigration, power coverage and the economic system pressured Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson to drag the plug on his coalition authorities and name an early election.
Counting was delayed in some areas by snowstorms that blocked roads and slowed supply of poll packing containers to rely facilities.
Since the 2008 monetary disaster devastated the economic system and ushered in a brand new period of political instability, Iceland has been ruled by multi-party coalitions of assorted hues.
Over 50 international locations go to the polls in 2024
Like many Western international locations, Iceland has been buffeted by the rising value of residing and immigration pressures, and voters are taking it out on incumbent governments. Benediktsson’s Independence Party and its coalition companions within the outgoing authorities, the Progressive Party and the Left Greens, all noticed their vote share and seat rely decline, with the Left Greens dropping all eight of its parliamentary seats.
Iceland, a volcanic island nation tucked beneath the Arctic Circle with a inhabitants of lower than 400,000, is pleased with its democratic traditions. The Althingi, based in 930 by Viking settlers, is arguably the world’s oldest legislature.
Election turnout was excessive by worldwide requirements, with 80% of registered voters casting ballots.
