People in Iceland have been voting in a general election called after the government collapsed over a series of scandals.<br /><br />It’s the second snap election within a year and comes amid deep voter distrust although Iceland has reversed its economic fortunes and is now enjoying a tourism-based boom.<br /><br />The row which led to the ruling coalition’s demise surrounded a letter written by the father of Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson in which he said a paedophile should have his “honour restored.”<br /><br />Last year, the previous prime minister, Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson, was forced to step down after he was implicated in an offshore tax-haven scheme.<br /><br />That gave a boost to the anti-establishment Pirate Party but its support has since waned.<br /><br />As a result, it’s thought the outcome of this election could lead to a spell in the political wilderness for the long dominant pro-business, Independence Party which has been part of every government since 1980.<br /><br />That may leave the centre-left, Left-Green Movement in the driving seat with its leader Katrin Jakobsdottir poised to take over power.<br /><br />Known for her even temper, Jakobsdottir quickly became a popular figure in Iceland after being elected to parliament in 2007, and is one of the few high-profile politicians who have<br />avoided scandal.<br />
