Presidential Elections
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
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From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
The Irish President is elected directly by the people of Ireland for a period of seven years. They may not serve more than two terms. A presidential election must take place within the 60 days before the expiration of the term of office of the outgoing president. If a vacancy occurs before the completion of a normal term of office, the election takes place within 60 days after the occurrence of the vacancy. Voting is by secret ballot on the single transferable vote system.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage makes an order appointing the last day for receiving nominations, the polling day and the period for voting, which must last at least 12 hours between 7am and 10.30pm.
The main legal provisions relating to the election of the President are contained in Article 12 of the Constitution – see Bunreacht na hÉireann (Constitution of Ireland) and in the Presidential Elections Act 1993 as amended – see Presidential Elections Act, 1993.
Further information is available in the information leaflet - How the President is Elected.