Pages

January 25, 2015

Filled Under:

Live Blogging of Greece's General Elections - Updates Every 15 minutes #Greeceelections


21:30 - As predicted by HellasFrappe earlier, it is still unknown whether or not SYRIZA will gain a majority government. At present SYRIZA has not been able to gain the majority, and this will not be known until tomorrow morning. As it stands and with only 16-18% of Greece’s official votes accounted for, SYRIZA gathers 36.5% (147-150 seats) followed by New Democracy with 27.7 (76 seats), the Golden Dawn party with 6.3% (17 seats) the Potami party with 5.9% (15 seats), the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) with 5.6% (15 seats), PASOK with 4.8% (13 seats), the Independent Greeks party (ANEL) with 4.7% (13 seats), and it is still unclear if George Papandreou’s “KIDISO” (To Kinima) party will get into parliament because at present it has only gathered 2.52%. Quite surprisingly, Vasilis Levendis’ Center party gathered 1.86%.

According to analysts, and exit polls results, it was noted that some 74.3% of ND voters remained stable to their choice, however a record 11.6% of the right party shifted to SYRIZA. That means that a large chunk of SYRIZA's supporters are right-wingers. What is also quite interest is that one out in five supporters of PASOK voted for George Papandreou's newly formed party, and a whopping 24% shifted to SYRIZA.

Meanwhile, Syriza economic policy sector head Yiannis Milios told the state news agency ANA-MPA that his party's victory is a historic win of the Greek people. He said that a new page has turned in Greek history and that it was a great moment for Europe. Responding to a question by ANA-MPA, on what the Finance Minister will do on Monday at the Eurogroup conference, he said “I imagine that Mr. Hardouvelis will settle pending issues of technical nature. Because the program on which Mr. Hardouvelis has agreed as Mr. Samaras' representatives is now dead.”

He then said:
    “The government of SYRIZA, the government of national salvation, is the government that will promote, defend and consolidate the interests of social majority but, at the same time, it is not just a message. It is the beginning of a major change for Europe."
He then noted that Europe cannot continue with the deflation, recession, the rising unemployment and excessive debt.
     "Greece leads the way, our country, our people are the pioneers of a huge change. We are all very emotional and happy,” he added.
Finally it was announced that SYRIZA plans to propose Costas Karamanlis as the new presidential candidate. Meanwhile, the former spokesman for the Karamanlis government Mr. Antonaros tweeted that it is time for ND to return to its roots... the Karamanlis sort.


This is our last post for the LIVE blogging event. Please check back every so often to find out more official results by scrolling down to the Singular Logic program. HellasFrappe will post an analytical report on the elections on Monday.

20:00 - HellasFrappe has just uploaded Singular Logic's electoral map.  We have programmed the program so that it may broadcast the results in the English language but if you prefer to read the results in Greek then simply press the icon depicting the Greek flag. The team of HellasFrappe will now take a break and return at 21:30 for a final update on today's elections. We advise readers who want to find out how many seats were appointed to each party to simply check in regularly throughout the night on the results which will be changing on the chart posted below this post. 

19:55 - RT just released a report - "Greece’s radical-leftist party, Syriza, has won between 35.5 and 39.5 percent of the vote in the national parliamentary election, leaving the country’s ruling New Democracy party more than 10 per cent behind, the exit-polls revealed." Click HERE to read.

19:45 - The first exit polls presented on major TV networks as soon as the polls closed, show a clear SYRIZA win. According to their estimations SYRIZA gets between 35.5% and 39.5%, with New Democracy following with 23% to 27%. The Golden Dawn party is clearly third. It appears that there is going to be a battle for the fourth position between the Greek Communist party and the River party, both getting between 6.4% to 8.0%. As for the seats, it should be reiterated that given the above results and given that George Papandreou's newly formed Social Democrats do not enter parliament then SYRIZA will get between 146 to 158 seats, New Democracy between 65 and 75 seats, the Golden Dawn party 20+ seats, The River and the Communist party between 17 and 22 seats. It was also reported that all foreign embassies and non-Greek betting agencies had placed their bets on SYRIZA. Interestingly a report on defencenet stated that some betting agencies lowered the rate on the Golden Dawn party one day before the elections because they realized that they would follow in third place. This is a clear sign that the opinion polls that were published throughout the election period may have been over blown for gambling (and other) purposes.


19:15 - At SYRIZA's polling booth at Klafthmonos Square in central Athens people are beginning to gather for their party's win. Expected win of seats in Parliament if a majority government is achieved: SYRIZA 146-158 / New Democracy 65-75 / The Golden Dawn party 17-22 / The Potami party 13-16 / PASOK 12-15 / KKE 10-13 / ANEL 0-8. If other smaller parties enter parliament then SYRIZA will not be able to maintain the number of seats mentioned above -or a majority government- but this will not be known until later on tonight, or at the very least until Monday morning. Keep in mind that these are exit poll results and not formal electoral results. Polling stations have just closed throughout Greece and we will have a better idea of the results after 21:30.


19:00 - According to SKAI channel the first sample in exit polls results are as follows:
  • SYRIZA:36-39
  • ND:26-27
  • Golden Dawn:8-6
  • KKE: 7-5  
  • PASOK - 6-5
  • Potami:6.5-8
  • ANEL: 4.5-5
  • Social Democrats: unknown
  • Other parties: unknown
Meanwhile, Th. Pangalos said on MEGA Channel that he voted ND and that he did this "consciously". Meanwhile, preliminary estimates show that  the participation in these elections was highest that they have every been since previous elections.

16:45 - The first poll results are set to be announced in 15 minutes but it can now safely be concluded that SYRIZA will be the clear winner. However, it is highly suspected that they will not be able to gain a majority government. Meanwhile, the American news channels which clearly support SYRIZA are having a field day. They have been publishing reports on a SYRIZA win throughout the day. One example of this is a report that was just released by ABC news. It said that the "Leftist Syriza party is set for landmark win as Europe watches on". The correspondent Mary Gearin in Athens writes that it Greece should get set for a change of government. Click HERE to read. Finally the video below was just released from Press Tv.



18:30 -
The first exit polls will be announced in half an hour. Meanwhile representatives of Singular Logic told a reporter on SKAI television in Greece that the majority government will depend on how many smaller parties enter parliament. They released the picture below showing how this works. Also, the spokesman of the Independent Greeks party (ANEL) Terrene Kouik said that ANEL are the guardians of a possible SYRIZA government. (If all parties enter then the winning party would need 40.05 to gain a majority government) Meanwhile, George Papandreou is meeting with colleagues of the Democratic Socialist Movement because there is fear that they will not be able to generate the 3 pct needed in order to enter into parliament.


16:15 - CNN, which clearly favors Alexis Tsipras and the SYRIZA party just released a report that says that "Greeks vote in election that could lead to showdown over bailout." Click HERE to read. The Wall Street Journal on the other just said in a report that "Greece Votes as Role in Eurozone Hangs in Balance" since the results could determine the country’s future in the Eurozone. Click HERE to read that story.  Earlier today during the Divine Liturgy the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki Anthimos, who has spoken against SYRIZA on national issues, told his congregation that Greeks lose their unity during political change, while those around us celebrate. "Today, in Skopje, they are preparing feasts and fairs to celebrate the deal over the name (Macedonia). Anthimos was of course referring to SYRIZA's stance on the issue of the name which has never been in favor of Greek interests and is more in favor of the neighboring republic.

18:00 - An offbeat story was reported from the patratora.gr news site involving a 70 year-old female voter. The report claims that the poor woman did not know where she was registered to vote, so she began visiting all the polls stations in the city in order to find out. Meanwhile it was also reported that the Greek elections are heading global news outlets. In Zappeion at the moment there are 1,015 accredited journalists, correspondents, observers from many countries and diplomatic representatives are observing the election results. Of these, 741 are foreign correspondents (590 of which have come to Greece specifically for the elections). The largest group is from Spain (said to be about 70). Indicative is the video report below by ANT1 news.


17:45 - The first exit polls should be announced in an hour and fifteen minutes. Meanwhile reports are claiming that a stage is already being constructed at the Propylaea area for Alexis Tsipras (downtown Athens). The state news agency also released a dispatch confirming an earlier post by HellasFrappe which stated that the first safe and more credible estimation of the Greek elections result should be expected at 21:30 local time on Sunday and not at 19:00 (when exit polls are released). This means that we will have a clearer picture of the results two and a half hours after the closing of the polling stations. If, on the other, a political party achieves a majority government, or 151 deputies, then Singular Logic which is tallying the votes will not be able to release the data until Monday at dawn. This is because, according to Greek election law, the results will depend on the percentage of the parties that will not enter parliament. Finally, the video report below was released by Business News.


17:30 - Reuters just released a report saying that Greeks are heading to the polls to decide "on whether to dump austerity, take on lenders". Click HERE to read. On the other hand Gulf News said that "Euro may extend weakness as traders eye Greece elections results." The author notes that on Friday, the euro fell 1.4 per cent against the dollar, to $1.1206, on top of a 2.1 per cent slide the day before. He adds that currently it is down 7.4 per cent against the dollar since the turn of the year and is at its lowest point in more than 11 years. Click HERE to read. Finally the video report BELOW was released by Russia Today.



17:15 -
The Guardian said in a report that the outcome of the elections could possibly put Greece on collision course with EU. The author claims maintains that opinion polls give SYRIZA a clear lead, but the party may not win enough seats to govern alone. Click HERE to read. NPR news on the other hand just released a report noting that the "Future Of Eurozone At Stake In Today's Greek Elections". Click HERE to read. Finally the video report below was released by CNN.


17:00 - The New Democracy party rightfully slammed reports which are purposely posting exit poll results. Meanwhile in the area of Keratsini in Piraeus, there were a few incidences reported with the involvement of the far-right Golden Dawn party. (Details on these incidences will be posted as soon as we have more details). Also at 15:30 it was reported that parliamentary candidate and member of rivaling party attacked each other in Plomari, Lesvos. According to plomarinews.gr, one candidate threw a metal object at his rival. The man who was injured was rushed to a local clinic and then filed a lawsuit against his rival.  In other news, DW (English) just said in a tweet that the Greek election sparks new #euro worries.  Also, it was announced that ballot results will be available on Greece's Interior Ministry’s website: http://ekloges.ypes.gr.  Finally it was also reported that a super puma helicopter airlifted a judicial representative to Agia Roumeli in Crete after strong winds and heavy rain prevented the representatives from reaching the polling station by boat.

15:02 - HellasFrappe will return for LIVE coverage of the 2015 elections at 17:00 (unless there is a breaking report). #Greeceelections

15:00 - It was reported that several members of the extreme-Leftist ANTARSYA party - known to be strong supporters -and maybe even part of the SYRIZA party- attacked a member of the far-right Golden Dawn party at another polling station in the area of Petroupolis (western Athens).  These two political entities have been long-time rivals. The ANTARSYA party has in the past been suspected of taking part in many crimes performed by anarchists. #Greeceelections

14:45 - Spain's El Pais daily is also covering the Greek elections and for a good reason, last Thursday Pablo Iglesias, the leader of left-wing Podemos, stood alongside Alexis Tsipras at the end of the SYRIZA chief's final pre-election speech in Athens. Click HERE to read their coverage. #Greeceelections

14:35 - According to The Guardian today's election outcome could put Greece "on collision course with the European Union." Read article by clicking HERE #Greeceelections

14:15 - The leader of the conservative New Democracy party returned to the party headquarters on Syggrou avenue after arriving back in Athens following his right to vote in Pylos earlier this morning. Meanwhile the results from two final polls that were conducted on Friday night claim that SYRIZA is leading in the polls. Specifically: MRB poll for Star TV gave SYRIZA 31.2 pct, New Democracy 26 pct, To Potami 6.5 pct, Golden Dawn 5.5 pct, Greek Communist Party (KKE) 4.5 pct, PASOK 4 pct, Independent Greeks 3.2 pct and George Papandreou's party 2.4 pct. BUT the poll also claimed that undecided voters stood at 13.2 percent; A second poll by GPO shows SYRIZA at 33.4 percent, New Democracy at 26.7, Golden Dawn at 5.1, PASOK at 5, Potami at 5, KKE at 4.9, Independent Greeks at 3.5, and George Papandreou's party at 2.9. It also shows smaller parties such as LAOS at 1.4. The undecided in this poll were reported to be at 9.3 percent. #Greeceelections

14:00 - The first exit polls, which are being conducted online, have already begun claiming that the difference between SYRIZA and the New Democracy party has been determined, however it is still unknown if a majority government will be achieved. #Greeceelections

13:45 - It was just reported that the Golden Dawn member who was attacked at the polling station in Kallipoli Piraeus was rushed to a local hospital. Reports claim that the assailant who attacked him fled on a motorbike. #Greeceelections

13:25 - As the day progresses more and more people are heading to the polls to vote in central Athens. Meanwhile, it is being reported that in a few polling stations the voting process is being conducted without any legal representatives because they either never showed up for their call of duty, or have not reached the stations due to adverse weather conditions. Whereas in other polling stations where there are similar problems legal representatives and other supervisory members from adjacent sections have undertaken double roles to fill the voids. Finally MEGA Tv left it to be understood that there will be a clearer outlook on what the exit polls yielded after 21:30 and not 19:00 because the race is still neck to neck for the two leading parties. #Greeceelections

13:11 - Leader of the Independent Greeks party Panos Kammenos tells the press: "We send a message of hope. It is a day of democracy, and a landmark in Greek history. The Greek people decide to reclaim their sovereignty. The Independent Greeks promised to be the regulators and we are. As of tomorrow we will be the guarantors for the course of our country, where Greeks will be united." #Greeceelections

13:00 - The Greek elections are being covered by the French press: Views can be read at Liberation, Le Monde and Le Figaro. (Click on bold links) - #Greeceelections

12:54 - Officials are considering allowing the polling stations that delayed to open an extension of two hours to complete the electoral process. The news has not been confirmed as of yet. - #Greeceelections

12:52 - Some press reports are claiming that there were small incidences at a polling station in Kallipoli (Piraeus). A suspect apparently assaulted a representative of the Golden Dawn party. - #Greeceelections

12:45 - George Karatzaferis casts vote and tells reporters that by allowing his LAOS party to enter into parliament it will "brake" the independence of the Left. - #Greeceelections

12:34 - After casting his vote, Papoulias tells reporters that: "I hope the Greek people choose the best (party) to send to parliament. I predict that the coming years will be problematic. I would say that there needs to be a unanimous approach and sangfroid to deal with the situation. I believe that the people (of Greece) have the wisdom and knowledge and determination." - #Greeceelections


12.10 - The Interior Ministry announced that all 19,449 polling stations across Greece are finally operating smoothly. Also, the President of the Republic, Karolos Papoulias arrives to cast his vote in Ioannina. - #Greeceelections

12:00 - The polling stations in various communities in Nafpaktos finally opened. They had remain closed in the morning due to adverse weather conditions. - #Greeceelections

11:48 - After casting his vote in Kalithea (southern Athens), KKE secretary general Dimitris Koutsoumbas tells the press that “The day after will be difficult for our people because the long-term memorandum will be present with the new government as well.” - #Greeceelections


11:30 - Italy's Corriere della Sera reports on the Greek election. Click HERE to read article - #Greeceelections

11:25 - Speaking to the press George Papandreou reiterates his and his party's position regarding a referendum on post-bailout structural reforms. - #Greeceelections


11:14 - SYRIZA Attika Governor Rena Douro: The current electoral process marks the end of one period and the beginning of a new one. With their vote people are generating a new age. - #Greeceelections

11:09 - George Papandreou leader of the newly formed Social Democrats Movement votes in New Erithrea. - #Greeceelections

11:09 - Michael Theoharidis (caretaker Interior Minister): In all polling stations across the country voting has started normally and there are no major problems being reported. The few problems that are being reported are due to adverse weather conditions, but are being tackled immediately.  - #Greeceelections

11:07 - Leader of the Greek communist party (KKE) Dimitris Koutsoubas votes. - #Greeceelections

10:59 - Tsipras: Today the Greek people demand a return of hope with complete determination. The responsibility belongs to everyone. The dilemma is clearer than ever. Today we decide whether or not Greece will return to the troika tomorrow to implement the Samaras program -cuts in pensions and wages and increases in taxes- or if the Greek people will claim everything they deserve tomorrow. Dignity will return. (Greek statement) Following his statement in Greek, he switches to English: “Greece will return to democracy, social cohesion and dignity.” - #Greeceelections



10:57 - SYRIZA head Alexis Tsipras arrives at a polling station in Kypseli, central Athens, where a large number of local and foreign journalists await. - #Greeceelections

10:17 - Venizelos:  "I hope today the Greek people make choices that will lead to something better and not worse for them and their children". - #Greeceelections




10:13 - The leader of PASOK Evangelos Venizelos casts his vote in Thessaloniki. - #Greeceelections

10:04 - In two communities of Nafpaktos (Quick and Elatovrysi), it was reported that there were still a couple of polling stations that were closed because it was impossible for judicial representatives to gain access to the area due to heavy snowfall. - #Greeceelections

09:48 - Kouvelis:  Greek citizens decide today on the progress of the country. With their vote they should give a mandate to move Greece forward. The people will decide the course of the country. - #Greeceelections

09:45 - Leader of DIMAR Fotis Kouvelis votes in the area of Peristeri Athens. - #Greeceelections

09:15 - Theodorakis:  The nation decides to change the first party (ND and PASOK) and punish those who have brought to this situation. This change is in the right direction and. We do not want adventures, we want to change everything without wreaking the country. - #Greeceelections

09:10 - The leader of the Potami party Stavros Theodorakis voted at the 1st Highschool in Chania. - #Greeceelections

08:30 - Some polls stations in Achaia opened with a slight delay and in marsh areas located in the region of Kalavryta. There were also some problems in mountainous areas of Nafpaktia caused by bad weather, because of heavy snowfall. Some stations did not open until 8.00am because access was impossible. It was also reported that some 4815 polling stations have mobile phones which will send a text message of the first results when the polls close at 7pm. - #Greeceelections

08:24 - Samaras: These elections are crucial for our future and the future of our children. Today we decide whether or not to go forward with strength, safety and security or whether to ride on adventures. During this election there is an unprecedented large number of undecided voters who will decide the outcome. We are optimistic because I believe that no one will risk the European course of the country. We will win." - #Greeceelections


08:13 - Antonis Samaras casts his vote in Pylos, in the southern Peloponnese.

08:08 - A few problems reported in Crete due to bad weather.

HellasFrappe will be posting LIVE updates every 15 minutes for the 2015 General Elections. The LIVE blogging begins at 11:00 am Greek time. We encourage readers to leave their comments in the comment section below. Worldwide interest in the Greek general elections. In Zappeion covering the elections there currently are:
  • 876 Accredited journalists (649 in the 2012 elections)
  • 497 Foreign journalists (298)
  • 148 Foreign Press Correspondents 148 (100)
  • 231 Greek journalists 231 (251)
  • 45 Countries 45 (44)
  • 27 News Agencies (31)
  • 100 global television stations covering the elections (66)
  • 27 Radio stations 27 (31)
  • 84 Newspapers (85)
Voters can find out where they vote by visiting the Greek Interior Ministry website (www.ypes.gr) or by calling 2131361500. - #Greeceelections

For all other related stories leading up to the 2015 elections, then please click HERE .


The articles posted on HellasFrappe are for entertainment and education purposes only. The views expressed here are solely those of the contributing author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HellasFrappe. Our blog believes in free speech and does not warrant the content on this site. You use the information at your own risk.