The Reykjavík City Council Primaries for the Independence Party begin today with a high turn out expected reports Fréttabladid. All Independence party members over the age of 16 are eligible to vote.
The Icelandic dailies, especially Morgunbladid which is known for its ties to the Independence Party, are covered with advertisements from candidates seeking various places on the party’s slate.
The excitement is in the race for the top seat between former TV talk show host Gísli Marteinn Baldursson, currently deputy city councilor for the Independence Party in Reykjavík, and Vilhjálmur Th. Vilhjálmsson, currently the top-ranking councilor for the Independence Party in Reykjavík. According to a recent IMG Gallup survey 48% of voters support Gílsi Marteinn while Vilhjálmur has 52% support of voters planning to vote in the primaries.
Voting will commence at at 12 p.m. today at the Independence Party Headquarters Valhöll. On Saturday voting will start from 10 a.m at seven locations throughout the city. The first results are expected at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
The Social Democratic Party in Hafnarfjördur and Akureyri are also holding primaries on Saturday.
