Greek voters go to the polls to elect a new government

A second vote is expected in July if the country's opposition political parties fail to agree to form a coalition.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of the New Democracy Party and leftist Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras. Photo: Reuters

While opinion polls show the ruling conservative New Democracy party in the lead, it is unlikely to achieve the absolute majority needed to win in the first round.

"A party needs 45% of the voter support to be the only party in power. However, this is very unlikely," said political analyst Panos Koliastasis.

The New Democracy party, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is forecast to receive between 31 and 38 percent of the vote, followed by the left-wing opposition party Syriza, which is behind by between 4 and 7 percent.

The cost of living crisis in Greece, as in other European countries, is at the heart of election campaigns, with parties trying to attract voters with pledges to raise the minimum wage and create jobs.

Polling stations will open at 07:00 local time Sunday across Greece and close at 19:00. Greece has nearly 10 million eligible voters.

The preliminary election results from six polling agencies will be announced at 19:00 local time on Sunday.

If no party wins an overwhelming victory, Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou will give the top three parties three days to form a government .

If all else fails, Mr Sakellaropoulou will appoint a caretaker government to lead the country before a second election is held a month later.

Hoang Nam (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cu-tri-hy-lap-di-bo-phieu-bau-chinh-phu-moi-post248573.html