Early vote counts in Ireland's presidential election indicate that Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent, is leading the race. Connolly faces Heather Humphreys, a center-right candidate, after the withdrawal of Jim Gavin from the contest. The presidency in Ireland is a largely ceremonial position, with the winner set to succeed Michael D. Higgins. Connolly has received support from several left-leaning parties and is favored in polls over Humphreys, who has campaigned as a unifying, pro-business candidate. The final result is expected once all votes are counted across the country's constituencies.