Greek Voters Head to the Polls in Historic Election, Mitsotakis and Tsipras Vie for Prime Minister Position

Greeks have gone to the polls in the first election since the country’s economy ceased to be subject to strict supervision and control by international lenders. Conservative Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, 55, and the leader of the left-wing Syriza party, 48-year-old Alexis Tsipras, are the two main contenders.

Mitsotakis’ New Democracy party was a full 20 percentage points ahead of Syriza, nearly complete results showed. However, a new electoral system of proportional representation meant his 40% vote share still was not enough to secure a majority of the 300 seats in Parliament.

In a bid to consolidate victory without a coalition partner, Mitsotakis indicated he will seek a second election. He pressed the same line when he talked to media after casting his vote.

Voters were choosing between the two main contenders in a vote that pitched Mitsotakis, a Harvard-educated former banking executive, against Tsipras, who served as prime minister during some of the financial crisis’ most turbulent years.

Mitsotakis has promised to raise wages and reduce taxes, while Tsipras has promised to increase public spending and raise the minimum wage. Both candidates have promised to tackle corruption and create jobs.

The outcome of the election will determine the direction of the country in the coming years. It remains to be seen whether Mitsotakis will be able to secure a majority in Parliament without a coalition partner.