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Businesswoman and Investor, Halla Tomasdottir, has won Iceland’s presidential election, the National Broadcast Service reports.
The election had top three women as candidates.
Tomasdottir, 55, was elected to the largely ceremonial post with 34.3 percent of the vote, defeating former Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, with 25.2 percent, and Halla Hrund Logadottir, with 15.5 percent, RUV said.
Iceland’s president holds a largely ceremonial position in the parliamentary republic, acting as a guarantor of the constitution and national unity. He or she, however, has the power to veto a legislation or submit it to a referendum.
Tomasdottir campaigned hinged on fundamental issues such as the effect of social media on the mental health of young people, Iceland’s development as a tourist destination and the role of artificial intelligence.
She will replace President Gudni Johannesson, who did not seek re-election after two four-year terms. Tomasdottir will take office on August 1.
Iceland, a Nordic island nation located in the North Atlantic, has a long tradition of electing women to high office.
Vigdis Finnbogadottir was the first democratically elected female president of any nation when she became Iceland’s head of state in 1980.
The country has also seen two women serve as prime minister in recent years, providing stability during years of political turmoil.
