HELSINKI, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Icelanders headed to the polls on Saturday for a general parliamentary election, with rising support for the Social Democratic Alliance and a late surge for the Independence Party, led by outgoing Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson.
Polling stations are set to close by 10 p.m. local time, though blizzard conditions in southeastern and northeastern regions could hinder voter turnout. Many areas remain impassable, but road administration teams are working to clear major routes.
A survey published Friday by Icelandic research company Maskina showed the Social Democrats leading with 21.2 percent support, while the Independence Party followed with 17.6 percent. The Liberal Reform Party held third place with 17.2 percent. All three parties have seen increased backing since the previous survey.
In October, Benediktsson called for the dissolution of parliament after coalition disagreements over immigration and energy policies. Althingi, Iceland's 63-member parliament, requires a majority of at least 32 seats to form a government. ■
