Iceland’s centre-left parties have secured an absolute majority in the country’s 63 seat parliament.

Between them, the Social Democrat/Left Green coalition polled over 52 percent of the vote. Caretaker Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir, was always expected to win in elections brought forward after the country’s economic crisis forced out the ruling Independence Party. Their leader, as good as admitted defeat before the the polls even closed – anticipating punishment from an electorate angry as Iceland’s banks imploded on their watch last year. The other major election issue has been membership of the EU. Johanna Sigurdardottir has said she wants to apply immediately for European Union membership and adopt the Euro. That being said, Sigurdardottir’s Left Green allies are opposed to such a move. They fear EU entry might damage the traditional local fishing industry. Although some tough policy horse-trading is on the cards it is the contracting economy which is set to occupy Iceland’s first ever left-leaning majority governmentMore about: Iceland

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