Independence Party board urged to clarify candidate lists ahead of elections in Iceland

The central board of the Independence Party has been urged to clarify whether additional lists will be allowed under the party’s name in the upcoming elections. This approach is seen as a way to minimize the risk of internal divisions, as opposed to an autocratic party leadership.

Asgeir Bolli Kristinsson, a prominent member of the Independence Party, has reached out to the central board for a definitive answer regarding the possibility of allowing candidates from additional lists, known as DD, if requested. The Parliament will reconvene next week, and Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson is set to deliver his inaugural policy speech for this government the following day. The recent party council meeting took place under the shadow of the latest polls indicating historic low support for the party, and Bjarni has remained tight-lipped about his plans for re-election as party leader at the forthcoming national assembly.

Asgeir emphasizes that boosting democracy within the party is essential, advocating for increased member participation in party activities, which he believes would support a unified front post-elections. He argues that allowing additional lists can significantly decrease the risk of fragmentation within the party.

In response to criticism directed at him, Bjarni characterized the request from Asgeir as an insincere query regarding hypothetical candidacies, emphasizing that the matter has been discussed within the central board but remains unresolved. He dismissed the letter as mere criticism of his leadership, noting that it fails to account for the many progressive initiatives of the government.