Election Update
Dateline: 4/10/00After a thrilling election night with the two top parties separated by less than a percentage point for most of the evening, final returns are showing ruling party Panhellino Socialistiko Kinima (PASOK) with a very slim but significant lead over main opposition New Democracy (ND), though PASOK believes it will triumph as the final votes are counted and will maintain a narrow lead in Parliament. While PASOK appears to be hanging on to power, the strong showing and gain in seats held by New Democracy will conservatively influence Greece in the next few years.
Returns are indicating that DIKKI has lost its seats in the Parliament; SYN and KKE are maintaining their representation with more than 3% of the vote each.
DIKKI leader Dimitri Tsovalas was quoted by the Athens News Agency, congratulating "The United States and the great publishing houses" for driving his party out of Parliament and empowering PASOK and New Democracy, to the detriment of the average Greek citizen.
PASOK, the empowered Socialist party headed by Costas Simitis, comes to the elections having effectively steered Greece through EU membership, bringing the economy in line with the strict requirements of EU monetary membership, and improving relations with Turkey.
New Democracy, (ND) under Costas Karamanlis, considered the conservative party, which previously held power in Greece, is promising prison reform, improved social programs, support for teachers, and voices for those they believe have been disenfranchised under PASOK's rule.
The next few days may be challenging for a traveler, as many Greeks will be paying much more attention to the voting, followed by celebrating or consoling, than to their usual occupations. Allow for delays.
Ultimately, both parties support travel and tourism, which is a major part of the Greek economy. There should be no negative changes for tourists regardless of the victor.
More Election Coverage:
Athens News AgencyAthens News Daily
Macedonian Press Agency
