In a significant political development, the conservative party of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has emerged victorious in today’s elections. However, despite the landslide win, the party has not secured enough parliamentary seats to form a government independently.

According to partial official results, Mitsotakis’ New Democracy party was a full 20 percentage points ahead of its main rival, the left-wing Syriza party, with nearly 90% of the votes counted. These results are based on 90% of the polling stations counted.

Despite the victory, a new electoral law means that Mitsotakis will be unable to form a government without seeking coalition partners. As a result, a second election is likely. Mitsotakis indicated late Sunday that he will seek a second election in a bid to consolidate his victory without the need for a coalition partner.

This election is Greece’s first since its economy ceased being under strict supervision by international lenders who had provided bailout funds during the country’s nearly decade-long financial crisis. The election results reflect a shift in the political landscape of Greece, with the conservative party gaining a significant lead over its left-wing rival.

However, under the current electoral system of proportional representation, Mitsotakis’ 40% vote share was still not enough to secure a majority of the 300 seats in parliament. This has led to a situation where the conservative party, despite its significant lead, will have to seek coalition partners or face a second election.

The election results have been seen as a validation of Mitsotakis’ conservative policies and his handling of the Greek economy. However, the inability to secure a majority indicates a fragmented political landscape and the challenges that lie ahead for Mitsotakis and his party.

The coming days will determine the political trajectory of Greece as negotiations for coalition partnerships begin. If these negotiations fail, the country will have to prepare for a second election. Despite the uncertainties, the election results have underscored the strength of the conservative party and its leader, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Read more about Greek Media and Politics.

Primary Sources:

The Mercury News Rating
CNBC Rating