IcelandReview reports that President Ólafur Grímsson of Iceland has been re-elected, as no other valid presidential candidates submitted the required signatures of recommendation before the cut off date last Friday. Article 5 of the Icelandic Constitution specifies a minimum of 1,500 signatures is required.

This means that President Grímsson will serve his fourth term. Iceland typically has long-serving Presidents, the last President served for 16 years, Grímsson will have served 18 years when his next term ends in 2012 (unless he resigns before then).

The news underlines two facts about Parliamentary republics which directly elect their head of state. First, wacky candidates such as sports or pop stars aren't shoe-ins because of their popularity. You don't see Bjork or a national Glima champion running for office. Secondly, staid political types (the feared "politician as president") such as President Grímsson, often are popular when in ceremonial offices, to the point that direct elections are forgone. Instead of the alleged "divisive" elections, elections go uncontested where a strong incumbent is doing a good job.

Hat tip: John Pyke