Iceland's political landscape shifts as winter storm hits election count
Early election results in Iceland show Social Democrats taking unexpected lead while snow delays vote counting in northern regions. Current ruling coalition faces possible end to its seven-year reign
Heavy snowfall in Icelandʼs northern-eastern regions slowed-down vote counting during the nations snap election (the weather making things extra dramatic)
The Social Democratic Alliance grabbed an early lead with 21‚5% of votes - marking their first real shot at power since 2013. Bjarni Benediktssonʼs Independence Party sits behind at 19%; showing better-than-expected results due to last-minute voter support
The current power-sharing deal between Benediktssonʼs party‚ Left-Green Movement and Progressive Party - which lasted about seven years - might be coming to an end. The Liberal Reform Party (which some thought would do great) ended up in third place with just 16% of counted votes
The vote count process got really slow because of the weather: northern and eastern parts had to deal with a proper winter storm. With around 60% of votes processed; final results might take longer than usual to come in
- Left-Green Movement
- Independence Party
- Progressive Party
- Social Democratic Alliance
- Liberal Reform Party
The election shows how quick things can change in nordic politics - from a stable three-party coalition to what looks like a complete power shift in just one snowy weekend
