Vote counting was underway Saturday in Ireland’s national election after an exit poll suggested the contest is a close-fought race among the country’s three largest political parties. Election officials opened ballot boxes at count centers across the country,

Kieran O'Leary, from the firm, pointed to the low turnout of 59.7% for skewing the data and affecting its model. He said there were anecdotal reports of a higher decline in turnout among young voters than among older voters. He added it was also possible the decline was more severe in urban areas than in rural areas.

A marathon vote-counting exercise was underway Saturday in Ireland's national election after an exit poll suggested that the contest is a close-fought race among the country's three largest political parties.

The final seats in the Irish general election are expected to be filled later on Monday. Only a small number of seats separate the three major parties with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael best placed to form a coalition government.

Counting is underway for the second day after Ireland’s election. The early results show the historically dominant parties have done enough to remain in government as a Coalition. Ireland Prime Minister Simon Harris says his party “will have a very significant role to play in the years ahead.