Low turnout in Icelandic presidential election expected: 10% of population in France watching soccer

[muriel_volestrangler]

Iceland historian Johannesson tipped to be voted president

Iceland is voting in a presidential election which a historian with no experience of public office is favourite to be win.

Gudni Johannesson is expected to replace Olafur Ragnar Grímsson, who has held the office since 1996.

Some 10% of Iceland's population is thought to be in France watching the country's footballers at Euro 2016.

The Icelandic consulate in France is flying ballot papers to the team hotel in Annecy so that the players can vote. 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.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36628444

Meanwhile, in Icelandic soccer:

[Basic LA]

1. They're the big surpise of the tournament.

That Icelandic announcer was really pumped up for his team!

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. Guðni Jóhannesson wins Iceland’s presidential election

Guðni Jóhannesson, a history professor, has won Iceland’s presidential election in a vote held in the aftermath of the Panama Papers leak in April, which implicated several top Icelandic officials.

The political newcomer only decided to run for the presidency after the leak, and rode a wave of anti-establishment sentiment, emphasising his non-partisan, independent vision of the presidency.

Jóhannesson’s victory, won with 39.1% of the vote, came as he celebrated his 48th birthday on Sunday.

Halla Tómasdóttir, a businesswoman without party affiliation, came second with 27.9%.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/26/history-professor-gudni-johannesson-wins-iceland-presidential-election