New Democracy elections will likely require a second round

The outcome of Sunday's critical elections will depend on the extent of voter participation

Friday, November 20, 2015

The elections for a new leader in the main opposition party New Democracy are set to take place on Sunday, the 22^nd of November, with the four candidates aiming to galvanize support and mobilize voters.
Any predictions regarding the outcome of the electoral process will depend on participation and the overall number of voters, with most estimations indicating that a second round – on the 29^th of November – will be needed. With two days left to attract support from New Democracy voters, the tension amongst the four candidates who are currently on tour has begun to escalate.
Evangelos Meimarakis, who appears to be the favorite and has acted as the party’s provisional leader since Antonis Samaras stepped down in the summer, made an emotional appeal to New Democracy voters in his rally on Thursday, hinting that he intends to restore the party’s older logo.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas has emphasized in his election campaign how he represents a new generation of New Democracy supporters who want to bring pride back to the party. He also stressed that SYRIZA is making efforts to influence the outcome of ND’s election by promoting a ‘certain candidate’.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis has underlined the need for greater voter participation in the election process, warning that otherwise nobody will have the right to complain. In his statements he also appeared certain that a second round will be needed, which he argued would be an “entirely different election”.
Adonis Georgiadis, who has trailed in the polls so far, has defended the policies followed by the party’s previous leader and insists that he will make a “surprise” in Sunday’s election.