Dublin [Ireland], October 25 (ANI): Ireland's independent left-wing politician Catherine Connolly is on course to become the country's next president after her only rival, Heather Humphreys of the centrist Fine Gael party, conceded defeat early on Saturday, France 24 reported.

Humphreys congratulated Connolly on "becoming the next president of Ireland" after early counting showed her opponent heading for a landslide win. The election result, expected late Saturday, follows what observers described as a subdued campaign with limited choice for voters.

According to France 24, Ireland's national broadcaster RTE said the contest had been overshadowed by criticism of its lack of competition. Early tallies suggested a record number of spoiled ballots and low voter turnout, with The Irish Tim

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