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Counting of votes was going on on Saturday irelandEarly data in the presidential election shows leftist independent Catherine Connolly getting a significant lead.
Voters were choosing between Connolly and centre-right Heather Humphries as their new president, a largely ceremonial role. European Union Member countries.
The two women were the only contenders after Prime Minister Michael Martin’s Fianna Fáil party candidate Jim Gavin left the race three weeks before the election due to a long-running financial dispute.
Martin, head of the Government of Ireland, personally endorsed Gavin as a presidential candidate. Although Gavin stopped campaigning, his name remains on the ballot due to his late withdrawal from the race.
While the Irish President represents the country on the world stage, hosting visiting heads of state and playing an important constitutional role, he does not have the power to shape laws or policies.
Connolly, the front-runner, has received the support of several left-wing parties, including Sinn Féin, the Labor Party and the Social Democrats.
The 68-year-old former barrister, who has been an independent lawmaker since 2016, has been vocal in criticizing Israel over the war in Gaza.
election That suggests stronger voter support than Humphries’ 64-year-old rival from the center-right party. Gail,
The former cabinet minister has stressed that she is a centre-based, pro-business, pro-EU candidate who will strive for unity.
Others – including musician Bob Geldof and former mixed martial arts champion conor mcgregor – He had indicated that he wanted to run for president but failed to receive enough support for the nomination.
The winner will succeed Michael D. Higgins, who has been president since 2011 and has served the maximum two seven-year terms. Connolly or Humphreys would be the 10th President of Ireland and the third woman to hold the post.
Voting slips were being counted manually. The final results will be declared on Saturday after the counting of all 43 electoral constituencies across the country is completed.