Ireland Elects Next President Amid Low Voter Turnout

Presidential candidates Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys were among those casting their votes yesterday in Ireland's presidential election. The election, which has seen a record-low turnout, has been marked by controversy surrounding the two main candidates. On the eve of the election, Ireland's outgoing President Michael D. Higgins cast his vote alongside his wife Sabina. With over 3.6 million people eligible to vote, the outcome is closely watched, particularly given the absence of a third candidate.

Key Takeaways:

Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent, secured the backing of a coalition of opposition parties, including Sinn Fein, the Social Democrats, Labour, and other left-leaning parties.
Heather Humphreys, a Fine Gael candidate, pitched herself as a "centreground, pro-European, pro-business, commonsense" candidate.
The two candidates have been at the centre of controversy, including allegations of double standards, criticism of their hiring practices, and scrutiny of their appointments to public boards.
The presidential election has seen the lowest turnout since 1973, with an initial report indicating a turnout of 44%, the same as seven years ago.
The winner is expected to be announced at Dublin Castle later today, with the outcome likely to be decided after one count, due to the use of a system of transferable votes.

Statistics:

3.6 million people were eligible to vote yesterday.
Turnout is expected to be crucial, with an initial report indicating a turnout of around 44%.
The last presidential election, held in 2018, saw a turnout of 44%.
The current election has seen the lowest turnout since 1973.
President Higgins has served as president since 2011.

Sources:

"candidates to become Ireland's next president were out casting their votes after polling stations opened". (The Irish Mirror news@irishmirror.ie)
"61% of people want to elect a president with a business background, a study has found". (Irish Mirror news@irishmirror.ie)