No clear coalition emerges after radicals fall short of expectations
ICELAND’S COALITION GOVERNMENT and a proposed new grouping of opposition parties have both fallen short of winning a majority in the 2016 national elections.
The governing coalition (the Independence and Progressives parties) fell narrowly short of the 32 seats required to continue in office. (29 MPs)
Left-wing and democrat parties (Left-Greens, Pirate Party, Bright Future, and the Social Democratic Alliance), who discussed a coalition pact ahead of the vote, also missed out on winning a commanding mandate to form a new government. (27 MPs)
“We are facing uncertain times over the coming weeks. Nobody is sure how to form a majority with these results.” Arnaldur Sigurðarso
The inconclusive result defied the pre-election polls, which predicted a sharper rise in support for the Left-Green Movement and Pirate parties.
While the island’s traditional establishment Independence party triumphed, it requires at least two coalition partners to secure a working majority.
New non-aligned party Viðreisn (Regeneration), which won seven seats, could push either coalition over the finishing line – but has yet to take sides following the election result.
Pirates propose new radical government coalition for Iceland
The insurgent Pirate Party, which led national polls for over a year, increased its vote and seat share – but still finished third overall.
Pirate MP Arnaldur Sigurðarson, commenting on the results, said: “We are facing uncertain times over the coming weeks. Nobody is sure how to form a majority with these results.”
The defeated leader of the Progressive Party, Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson, has resigned as prime minister ahead of coalition talks.
48 per cent of MPs elected in Iceland were women, the highest proportion ever in the country.
Iceland Monitor compiled the election results
Picture courtesy of John McGarvey
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