First forecasts: Conservatives ahead in elections in Greece

According to initial forecasts, the party of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is clearly ahead in the parliamentary elections. Nevertheless, it could be that there will be a re-election soon.

BAccording to initial forecasts, the conservative governing party Nea Dimokratia won the parliamentary elections in Greece on Sunday. Accordingly, the party of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is clearly ahead with 36 to 40 percent, as the state broadcaster ERT reported after the polling stations closed in the evening. The left-wing party Syriza, the strongest force in the previous opposition, achieved between 25 and 29 percent. The social democratic Pasok came in third with 9.5 to 12.5 percent.

The forecasts are based on surveys of voters after they have cast their votes. Despite the lead, the formation of a government for New Democracy is not certain. So far, the strongest party was automatically given 50 seats in parliament, which usually led to one-party governments. The ND has also ruled alone for the past four years. This bonus was abolished by a change in voting rights.

Simple proportional representation now applies. Because none of the parties has achieved an absolute majority, coalitions must be sought. In Greece, however, coalitions are traditionally rare and usually not very successful. If no government is formed within ten days, a new election must take place in July.