The new head of state in Estonia is Kersti Kaljulaid, who becomes the country's first-ever female head of state and the eighth Estonian president in all.
After a dizzying few weeks of nominations and votes during which various candidates appeared and disappeared, Kaljulaid eventually emerged as a compromise candidate agreed upon by all parties in the Estonian parliament, the Riigikogu, with no-one else standing against her.
She attracted 81 votes of the 98 members of parliament participating.
Kaljulaid is something of a surprise choice, swapping her slightly obscure current role at the European Court of Auditors for the pomp and ceremony of life at Kadriorg Palace.
Kaljulaid succeeds two-time president Toomas Hendrik Ilves.
You can read her CV HERE.
According to our colleagues at ERR News, Kaljulaid used a live TV appearance on the evening of October 2 to identify the gender pay gap, innovation and defense as among her priorities as president.
Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis was among the first to offer his congratulations.
Congratulations Kaljulaid on your election as President!Hea Kersti Kaljulaid,õnnitlen Teid Eesti Vabariigi presidendiks valimise puhul!
— Raimonds Vējonis (@Vejonis) October 3, 2016
The Latvian Institute, which promotes Latvia in other countries, was not far behind.
Congratulations @estonia_eu for the historic elections of the first female President Kersti Kaljulaid!
— Latvian Institute (@LatviaInstitute) October 3, 2016
Former Latvian Prime Minister and current European Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said well done, too.
Congratulations to Kersti #Kaljulaid on her election as the President of #Estonia. All the success in these challenging times!
— Valdis Dombrovskis (@VDombrovskis) October 3, 2016
