Second round of voting fails to elect president

The only candidate nominated by the coalition government partners, New Democracy and PASOK, is former Foreign Minister of the Papademos administration, and former EU commissioner, Stavros Dimas.

A total of 168 Mps voted ‘Yes’ to Dimas’ election, while 131 blank votes opposed the election. One MP was not present during the vote, because of illness.

During this second round, at least 200 votes were needed in order to elect a new President. The final round of voting takes place on Dec. 29, where 180 votes are required — as the Greek Constitution declares.

With 168 votes in the second round, the Greek coalition government is seeking at least 12 additional MPs willing to vote for Dimas in order for the country not to be driven to snap general elections. The Greek Constitution states that if a President is not elected, the country must hold general elections within a month.

The main opposition party leading the latest polls, SYRIZA, has not nominated any candidate for the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic and is actively seeking general elections.