On the eve of Iceland’s general election, the Independence Party and the Progressive Party are neck-on-neck for the highest support rating. Both parties have an average of 22.5 percent of the vote, according to the latest polls.
Photo: Páll Kjartansson/Iceland Review.
The leader of the party with the most votes is expected to become Iceland’s next Prime Minister. The question is whether it will be leader of the Independence Party Bjarni Benediktsson, or leader of the Progressive Party Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson.
In 1963—50 years ago—Bjarni Benediktsson, great uncle of Bjarni Benediktsson, current chair of the Independence Party, became Prime Minister of Iceland.
Will history repeat itself?
One thing is for sure: there will be a new face governing Iceland for the next four years. PM Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir will retire from politics after 35 years at the frontline.
PS