The Irish go to the polls today to elect a new president — a largely ceremonial role with limited powers — in a race where left-wing candidate Catherine Connolly is seen as the clear favorite over centrist contender Heather Humphreys, according to recent polls.

One of the two women will succeed Michael D. Higgins, 84, who has served two consecutive terms since 2011.

Polling stations opened at 07:00 local time (09:00 GMT), with results expected on Saturday evening.

Catherine Connolly, 68, an independent left-wing MP backed by opposition parties including the Greens and the nationalist Sinn Féin (historically linked to the Irish Republican Army), has maintained a commanding lead throughout the campaign. A former lawyer, she is critical of the European Union and the United States, opposes increased military spending, and advocates for Ireland’s continued military neutrality.

A supporter of Palestinian rights and Irish reunification, Connolly said she aims to be “a president for all citizens — especially those who have been left out or left behind.” She is also fluent in Gaelic.

Her main rival, Heather Humphreys, a member of the centre-right Fine Gael party — a cornerstone of the governing coalition — has campaigned as a unifying figure. Coming from Ireland’s small Protestant minority, she has focused her message on inclusion and stability.

This election features the smallest number of candidates since 1990, raising concerns about low voter turnout.

A third candidate, Jim Gavin of the Fianna Fáil party (Fine Gael’s coalition partner), withdrew in early October.

Among the other declared candidates are MMA fighter Conor McGregor, musician and philanthropist Bob Geldof, and Irish-American dancer Michael Flatley.