Counting Begins in Irish General Election Amid Close Contest Among Major Parties

As vote counting gets underway in the Republic of Ireland at 09:00 local time, early exit polls signal an intense contest between Sinn Féin, Fine Gael, and Fianna Fáil. Figures from Friday's poll place Sinn Féin marginally ahead with 21.1% of first preference votes, closely followed by Fine Gael at 21% and Fianna Fáil at 19.5%. This election, driven by a record number of candidates and a new constituency layout, could significantly reshape the political landscape.

The exit poll, which surveyed more than 5,000 voters, suggests that the two outgoing coalition partners, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, could potentially form a government again, despite Sinn Féin's popularity. However, independent candidates seem to be losing support compared to the previous election. Tight races are already emerging in various constituencies, with some government ministers facing unexpected challenges. Vote counting in Ireland employs a proportional representation system, which can prolong the process, and full results are not likely for days. Coalition negotiations following the election could take considerable time, as experienced in the past.

Counting commenced at 09:00 local time, creating anticipation for the first results expected later today. The final composition of the Dáil, which comprises 174 Teachtaí Dála (TDs), hangs in the balance, with 88 seats required for an overall majority. As the votes are tallied, the nation awaits clarity on Ireland's political future, with significant implications for governance and party dynamics in the coming months.