Voters in Ireland went to the polls Friday to elect a new president, with two women, Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys, competing for the largely ceremonial seven-year post.

Connolly, a left-wing independent lawmaker supported by Sinn Féin, Labour, and the Social Democrats, is widely seen as the front-runner, holding around 40% in recent polls. Known for her outspoken stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, Connolly has pledged to be “an independent president with an independent mind” and a voice for equality and justice.

Her rival, Heather Humphreys of the center-right Fine Gael party, secured 20–25% support in surveys. A former cabinet minister with extensive government experience, Humphreys emphasizes a pro-business, pro-EU platform and aims to “build bridges” with communities in Northern Ireland.

The two candidates are the only contenders after Jim Gavin of Fianna Fáil withdrew earlier this month over a past financial dispute. Other potential candidates, including musician Bob Geldof and former MMA champion Conor McGregor, failed to secure sufficient backing for nomination.

Ireland’s current president, Michael D. Higgins, has served two consecutive seven-year terms since 2011. The winner will become the country’s 10th president and the third woman to hold the office.

The president’s role is largely ceremonial but includes constitutional powers such as appointing the prime minister, signing legislation into law, and representing Ireland internationally. Past presidents, including Higgins, have occasionally spoken on key issues like international conflicts and NATO spending.

Polling stations closed at 10 p.m. (2100 GMT) Friday, with counting set to begin Saturday. Provisional results are expected later that day, followed by the inauguration ceremony at Dublin Castle the next day.