Political newcomer Gudni Johannesson looked headed for victory in Saturday's presidential election in Iceland, garnering 37.7 percent of votes with 27 percent of ballots counted, state broadcaster RUV said.

Johannesson, a 47-year-old history professor who has no party affiliation, was trailed by businesswoman Halla Tomasdottir, also non-partisan, who was credited with 29.9 percent of votes.