Voters in Greece are casting their ballots today, Sunday, in general elections that are unlikely to yield a winner, amid expectations of a second round in July if the country's divided political parties fail to agree on a coalition. The elections will be conducted using a proportional voting system. Although opinion polls place the ruling New Democracy party, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in the lead, it is not expected to secure an absolute majority.
Polling stations opened their doors to voters at seven o'clock local time. The number of voters eligible to vote is just under 10 million.
Opinion polls indicate that the New Democracy party will receive between 31% and 38%, followed by the leftist opposition party Syriza. Pollsters state that “any party needs over 45% for an outright victory.”
Through this election, parties are attempting to attract voters by pledging to raise the minimum wage and provide job opportunities.
If no party wins, Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou will grant the three major parties a mandate of three days each to form a government. If they fail to reach an agreement, a transitional government will be appointed to lead the country to new elections in about a month.
