The President of Ireland (Uachtarán na hÉireann) is elected directly by the people of Ireland for a period of seven years. A President may not serve more than two terms. A presidential election must take place within the 60 days before the end 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 of the vacancy arising. Voting is by secret ballot using the single transferable vote system.
The next presidential election must take place no later than the autumn of 2025.
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 Minister also appoints a Presidential Returning Officer.
It is the duty of the Presidential Returning Officer to conduct the election, and determine and declare the result of the election. This is in accordance with the Presidential Elections Act 1993.
