1980 Icelandic presidential election facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 
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In 1980, the country of Iceland held an important election to choose its new President. This election took place on June 29, 1980. A woman named Vigdís Finnbogadóttir won the election. She received about 33.8% of all the votes. Her victory was very special because she became the first woman in the world to be democratically elected as a country's President.
Contents
What is a President?
A President is the head of a country. They are often chosen by the people in an election. In Iceland, the President is a symbol of the nation. They make sure the government works well. They also represent Iceland to other countries.
The 1980 Election in Iceland
The 1980 presidential election in Iceland was a big event. People voted to choose their leader. There were several candidates who wanted to become President.
- Vigdís Finnbogadóttir was one of the candidates. She was a theater director and a cultural leader.
- Another candidate was Albert Guðmundsson. He was a famous football player and businessman.
- There were two other candidates as well.
People across Iceland cast their votes. They chose who they thought would be the best leader.
Who Won the Election?
Vigdís Finnbogadóttir won the election. She received the most votes. Her victory was a historic moment for Iceland and for the world.
| Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Vigdís Finnbogadóttir | 43,611 | 63.01 |
| Albert Guðmundsson | 25,599 | 36.99 |
| Total | 69,210 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | 69,210 | 99.22 |
| Invalid/blank votes | 546 | 0.78 |
| Total votes | 69,756 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 143,196 | 48.71 |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver | ||
Why Was This Election Special?
Vigdís Finnbogadóttir's win was very important. She became the first woman ever to be democratically elected as a President. This means she was chosen by the people through a fair vote. Her election showed that women could lead countries. It inspired many people around the world. She served as President for 16 years.
See also
In Spanish: Elecciones presidenciales de Islandia de 1980 para niños
