The race for Bessastaðir is on
Bessastaðir is the official residence of the President of Iceland. Photo: Ómar Óskarsson
Just three days after Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson’s announcement not to run for a sixth term , this year’s presidential elections already look set to be the most hotly contested ever, with four candidates already in the running.
Since Icelandic independence, the highest number of official candidates has been four – in 1980 and 1996.
Four individuals have already expressed their intention to stand in the presidential elections this year, three more are said to be considering the option, while at least a further three are being urged to run for the office by various popular movements.
The four ‘confirmed’ candidates are Árni Björn Guðjónsson (artist and furniture maker), Ari Jósepsson (internet personality), Elísabet Jökulsdóttir (author), Ástþór Magnússon (businessman and peace activist) and footballer-turned-author Þorgrímur Þráinsson .
Elísabet Jökulsdóttir is so far the only woman to announce her bid for the presidency. Photo: Þórður Arnar Þórðarson
Should all five of these candidates remain in the race and any others decide to stand, the forthcoming presidential elections will be the most hotly contested ever.
Among other candidates being urged by sections of the population to throw their hat into the ring are Iceland’s famous quirky actor and comedian and former Mayor of Reykjavik, Jón Gnarr, and celebrated Icelandic literary figure Andri Snær Magnason.
It is not uncommon in Iceland for candidates to drop out of the race before election day and for new names to come forward as elections draw near.
Many would like to see former Mayor of Reykjavik, Jón Gnarr, go for the top job. Photo: Kristinn Ingvarsson
