Irish Presidential Election: Voters Prepare to Cast Their Ballots
Voters in the Republic of Ireland are gearing up to cast their ballots in the presidential election on Friday. This election is crucial, as the chosen candidate will become the country’s 10th president, succeeding Michael D. Higgins.
Overview of the Election
The polls will open at 07:00 local time and close at 22:00. Approximately 3.6 million Irish citizens are eligible to participate in this election, as stated by An Coimisiún Toghcháin, Ireland’s independent electoral commission.
Candidates in the Race
Three candidates are on the ballot, although one has withdrawn:
- Catherine Connolly: Running as an independent, she garners support from various left-leaning parties, including Sinn Féin, the main opposition party.
- Heather Humphreys: Representing the coalition government party, Fine Gael, Humphreys is a former minister from Monaghan.
- Jim Gavin: Initially selected by Fianna Fáil, Gavin withdrew from the race due to controversy related to a rental dispute. Despite his withdrawal, his name remains on the ballot.
Votes cast for Gavin will still be counted and may be transferred to other candidates during the counting process.
Vote Counting and Inauguration
The counting of the votes will commence at 09:00 on Saturday. The winner will be announced at Dublin Castle. Michael D. Higgins will conclude his two consecutive seven-year terms at midnight on November 10. The new president will be inaugurated the following day, November 11.
