He was an archaeologist and director of the National Museum. Starting as the underdog in the 1968 presidential election, running against ambassador Gunnar Thoroddsen who initially had a 70% lead in the opinion polls, Eldjárn won 65.6% of the vote on a 92.2% turnout. He was re-elected unopposed in 1972 and 1976.
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Preceded by: Ásgeir Ásgeirsson | Presidents of Iceland |
Succeeded by: Vigdís Finnbogadóttir |