alþingiskosningum

Alþingiskosningar are the national parliamentary elections of Iceland, in which voters elect members to the Althingi, the parliament. The Althingi is a unicameral body currently comprising 63 seats, and the composition determines the government’s mandate and policy direction for the coming term.

Voters participate within multi-member constituencies in a system of proportional representation. Parties present lists of candidates, and voters can support a party and/or indicate a preference for individual candidates. Seats are allocated primarily on the basis of party vote shares within constituencies using a variant of proportional methods, with a national leveling mechanism to improve proportionality across the country.

Terms last four years unless dissolution of Parliament triggers an earlier election. Regular elections are expected every four years, but governments may seek or accept early elections in certain circumstances.

Historically, the party landscape includes the Independence Party, Progressive Party, Social Democratic Alliance, and Left-Green Movement, with other groups and new parties occasionally joining the scene. Coalition governments are common, reflecting Iceland’s multiparty system. Election results are typically announced by the National Electoral Commission after polls close, and they determine the formation of the government through coalition negotiations and parliamentary support.