First Round of Greek Presidential Elections Ends Without a Decision

The first round of elections for the president of the Hellenic Republic concluded on Saturday morning, with Constantine Tassoulas, the nominee of the ruling New Democracy party, securing a majority of votes but falling short of the required 200. Tassoulas, who previously served as Parliament president, received 160 votes out of the total 300 parliamentary seats, CE Report quotes Athens-Macedonian

The next voting round is scheduled for January 31, with the same 200-vote threshold. If a president is not elected, subsequent rounds will gradually lower the requirement: a third round needing 180 votes and a potential fourth round on February 12 requiring an absolute majority of 151 votes. Up to five rounds of voting are permitted, with each occurring at five-day intervals.

The term of the current Greek President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, concludes on March 13.