Ireland Conducts Presidential Election Amid Criticism for Limited Candidate Choice
The Irish electorate votes to select a new president, with Catherine Connolly expected to win against Heather Humphreys in an election marked by low voter turnout and minimal choice.
Ireland concluded the voting process for its presidential election on Friday, amidst criticism concerning the scarcity of options presented to voters.
The contest featured left-wing independent candidate Catherine Connolly facing off against centrist Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys.
Critics argue that the lack of right-wing alternatives in the race has deterred voter participation, with some individuals opting to spoil their ballots as a form of protest.
The election saw a roster of celebrities contemplating candidacies but ultimately refraining from entering the political arena, including mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor, musician Bob Geldof, and dancer Michael Flatley.
The winner will succeed Michael Higgins, who has served in the role since 2011, with his term set to conclude after a new president is elected.
Polls closed at 10:00 p.m., with the official results expected to be announced late on Saturday.
Voter turnout is anticipated to be low due to dissatisfaction with the limited candidate choice.
Recent polls suggest that nearly half of voters do not feel represented by either Connolly or Humphreys, contributing to a sense of apathy towards the electoral process.
Catherine Connolly, the frontrunner and a lawmaker since 2016, has gained momentum in recent weeks.
Her profile has been bolstered by her appearances on popular podcasts and a viral video showcasing her soccer skills, resonating with younger voters.
Supporters appreciate her truth-telling approach and view her as an inspirational figure who has been missing from the Irish political scene.
In contrast, Heather Humphreys, a former cabinet minister from Ireland's Protestant minority, has campaigned on a unifying platform.
Despite withdrawing from the race earlier this month due to financial controversy, Jim Gavin of the centrist Fianna Fail remained on the ballot papers, likely impacting voter engagement.
Over 3.6 million people were eligible to vote in the election, with areas such as Dublin city experiencing particularly low turnouts.
The outcome and turnout figures will be officially announced later on Saturday, following the conclusion of the voting process.
The contest featured left-wing independent candidate Catherine Connolly facing off against centrist Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys.
Critics argue that the lack of right-wing alternatives in the race has deterred voter participation, with some individuals opting to spoil their ballots as a form of protest.
The election saw a roster of celebrities contemplating candidacies but ultimately refraining from entering the political arena, including mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor, musician Bob Geldof, and dancer Michael Flatley.
The winner will succeed Michael Higgins, who has served in the role since 2011, with his term set to conclude after a new president is elected.
Polls closed at 10:00 p.m., with the official results expected to be announced late on Saturday.
Voter turnout is anticipated to be low due to dissatisfaction with the limited candidate choice.
Recent polls suggest that nearly half of voters do not feel represented by either Connolly or Humphreys, contributing to a sense of apathy towards the electoral process.
Catherine Connolly, the frontrunner and a lawmaker since 2016, has gained momentum in recent weeks.
Her profile has been bolstered by her appearances on popular podcasts and a viral video showcasing her soccer skills, resonating with younger voters.
Supporters appreciate her truth-telling approach and view her as an inspirational figure who has been missing from the Irish political scene.
In contrast, Heather Humphreys, a former cabinet minister from Ireland's Protestant minority, has campaigned on a unifying platform.
Despite withdrawing from the race earlier this month due to financial controversy, Jim Gavin of the centrist Fianna Fail remained on the ballot papers, likely impacting voter engagement.
Over 3.6 million people were eligible to vote in the election, with areas such as Dublin city experiencing particularly low turnouts.
The outcome and turnout figures will be officially announced later on Saturday, following the conclusion of the voting process.
