Free towels, polar bear help Iceland's Best Party win

Iceland could be in for some interesting policy developments following a shock win for the Best Party in council elections in the capital Reykjavik

Iceland could be in for some interesting policy developments following a shock win for the Best Party in council elections in the capital Reykjavik.

Set up by comedian Jon Gnarr just six months ago, the Best Party promised "sustainable transparency", free towels at the swimming pools, and a new polar bear for the city zoo.

The party has also pledged a drug-free parliament by 2020 and a new Disneyland to be built at Reykjavik's airport.

With nearly 35 per cent of the vote, the Best Party came in a couple of points ahead of its nearest rival.

Commentators say the result reflects a collapse in trust for more conventional parties in the wake of the country's banking crisis two years ago.

Gnarr insisted his party was serious and defended his candidates, who include an ex-singer with pop band Sugarcubes, a housewife, and an architect, none of whom have any political experience.

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