Iceland narrowly misses female-majority parliament

Iceland has elected 30 women out of 63 MPs in its parliament.

The figure represents 47.6 per cent, narrowly falling short of a historic 50-per-cent-margin, yet to be attained in Europe.

Earlier results had shown women winning 33 seats (52%), but a recount shifted the figure.

Sweden had previously come closest to breaking the record, at 47 per cent.

Rwanda (61.3 per cent), Cuba (53.4 per cent), and Nicaragua (50.6 per cent) currently top international tables.

The British parliament has 34.2 per cent and the US just 27.6 per cent female MPs.

Yesterday’s election saw Iceland’s Prime minister Katrin Jakobsdottir’s ruling left-right coalition increase its majority.

However, her party, the Left Green Movement, will likely lose several seats, with her leadership’s future hanging in the balance.