Though the wireless internet connection at the Left Green Movement election party was down, the party mood was certainly up.
And here at the Social Democrats’ party the mood is similar – and understandably so.
Making good on their opinion poll position, the left wing of Icelandic politics seems likely to achieve the significant victory predicted.
With 56 percent of the nation’s votes counted, the Social Democrats are still in the lead, with their coalition partners the Left Greens in second place. 31 percent for the SD and 21 percent for the Greens, as it stands.
The new Citizens’ Movement looks set to gain five MPs, “the cheapest five seats in Icelandic history”, according to a party spokesman (referring to the low-budget election campaign the party ran).
Bjarni Benediktsson, the leader of the Independence Party, told his party that they should look to the future with a bright smile and hope that the nation will find its way back to them following the hostile environment they are currently facing. The Independence Party is still in third place and will remain a strong political force.
