The Pirate Party looks set for a successful outing in the coming weekend's Icelandic elections.
A poll by local newspaper Morgunblaðið and the Icelandic Social Science Research Institute of the University of Iceland reports support for the Pirate Party is running at about 22.6 per cent, a point-and-a-half ahead of the ruling Independence Party and four points clear of the Left-Greens. That's impressive support, although the party's support has fallen a couple of points since March 2015.
Iceland uses s proportional representation system so the party's current level of support will likely translate into about 15 seats in the 63-member Althingi.
That won't be not enough for Píratar, the party's Icelandic name, to take government. It's also ruled out a coalition with the Independence Party.
But earlier this year Independence split and the recently-formed splinter group Viðreisn (tr. "Regeneration") is polling at 8.8 per cent and has ruled out joining a government with any of the current coalition parties. If the Pirates can align with Viðreisn and other like-minded parties it may therefore become part of a governing coalition and win some ministries.
Four years for a party founded by geeks to take over the government is not bad.
(Score: 2) by Mykl on Friday October 28 2016, @03:07AM
Mostly correct. I'm Australian:
(Score: 2) by dry on Friday October 28 2016, @04:36AM
Thanks for clarifying. I obviously made a few assumptions which were wrong.
Here in Canada, the present government has promised to get rid of the current first past the post system. With what remains to be seen. My Province had a referendum on changing the voting but it failed with like 59% in favour
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday October 29 2016, @01:26AM
That's not exactly true.
Aussies are required to show up at the polls and sign in.
At that point, am Aussie can deface his ballot with scribbles or rip his ballot into little bits and hand it back.
Actual voting is not required.
...and the fine for not showing up is like $25.
-- OriginalOwner_ [soylentnews.org]