It's official: Iceland's Pirate Party is now the country's third-largest political party. The votes have been counted, and the results appear to be radically reshaping the country's political landscape.
Although there is no final winner, the Pirate Party was able to increase its seats in the Althing from 3 to 9. This means 27,449 ballots, which translate to 14.5 percent of the total votes.
Support for the Pirate Party of Iceland has increased in recent months, in the wake of a series of corruption scandals involving the country's major parties.
It is remarkable to think that the Pirate Party was once a marginal political movement. Ten years later, after being founded in 2006 by Swedish entrepreneur and activist Rick Falkvinge, the pirates have found a place in power.
The centre-right Independence Party won the most votes – 29% of the total – which translates to 21 seats in the Althing. The Left-Green Movement follows with 15.9 percent of the votes, which will give it ten seats.
With this victory, the Pirate Party will gain in the formation of an alliance with other parties, and will officially enter the government. It remains to be seen what the role of the Pirates will be in this government.
