Greeks return to the polls Sunday (June 25) after an uncertain first round of general elections. It is likely the ruling party in the previous term, New Democracy, would win the majority after garnering close to 40% of the vote in the first round, with opposition party Syriza trailing behind at less than 30% of the vote.
Voting rules for the Hellenic Parliament meant the ruling party should have an over 45% majority of the total votes to create a single-party government or create a coalition with one or multiple parties within nine days. New Democracy's prime ministerial candidate Kyriakos Mitsotakis chose to have another round of elections instead.
Voters are expected to give Mitsotakis a second term in office.
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Elections Overshadowed by Migrant Boat Disaster
The elections pushed through in the aftermath of the migrant boat disaster off the coast of Pylos a few weeks ago, where hundreds of passengers were feared dead and only around 100 were rescued alive. Nine of the survivors were arrested for allegedly being part of the ill-fated boat's crew.
The disaster has shown division in Greek society over the issue of migration in the lead-up to the election.
It has also been a recurring topic during the campaign period. Mitsotakis, whose government took a strict policy of stopping the boats, has blamed "wretched" traffickers for the disaster and praised the Hellenic Coast Guard for rescuing people as much as they could. On the other hand, Tsipras, who was the prime minister during Europe's 2015-16 migrant crisis, criticized the coast guard for not intervening earlier.
Other Campaign Issues
Other highlighted areas during the campaign include the shortcomings of the health and public transport systems, as well as a crisis in the cost of living and economic hardship.
Mistokakis urged Greeks to elect a government with a clear majority, promising to boost revenue from the country's economically vital tourist industry, create jobs, and increase wages to bring them close to the European Union average.
"I am sure that Greeks will vote with maturity for their personal prosperity and the country's stability," he said after voting Sunday.
As for Tsipras, the election was a "final and crucial" battle that would determine the country's future over the next four years.
"What is being determined is whether we will have an uncontrollable government or balance in democracy...on whether we will have a strong opposition that can control the government," he said after casting his vote.
Polling stations opened at 07:00 Greek time (04:00 UTC) and will close 12 hours later, with the earliest results expected by around 17:00 UTC.
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