“We are here,” says Gerovasili from Arta With the phrase “We are here,” Olga Gerovasili commented on the participation of citizens in SYRIZA’s internal elections.
The Vice President of the Hellenic Parliament voted in Arta and noted, “The large participation of left-wing progressive citizens is the best answer to those who rushed to announce the end of SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance,” and added, “We endured and we emerge stronger to defend society against the unjust policies of New Democracy.”
Over 50,000 participated by 16:00 More than 50,000 people had cast their votes by 16:00 for the election of SYRIZA’s new leader, according to Koumundourou.
The process will be extended in case of long lines The electoral process will be extended in any polling stations where citizens are waiting to vote by 7 PM, the designated closing time for the ballots.
Higher turnout than in the congress election process, according to Koumundourou According to reports, participation has surpassed the turnout in the congress election process, with high participation rates in areas such as Western Attica, the Peloponnese, and Heraklion, Crete.
Over 43,000 voters According to an update from the Central Electoral Committee, participation continues to increase, with more than 43,000 citizens having cast their votes by 15:00 in polling stations across the country and abroad, including electronic voting for Greeks living abroad.
At 3 PM, voters surpassed the symbolic threshold of 43,000, matching the total participation in the recent internal process for congress elections. “Members and non-members are coming in increasing numbers, showing their support for the next day of SYRIZA-PS,” the statement read.
The announcement also highlighted that “there is enough time until the closing of the polls, and every vote strengthens the positions and future of the party.”
Comments on X about “cardboard” ballot boxes There have been many comments on X about photos showing SYRIZA officials in front of cardboard boxes at polling stations, with some mistakenly assuming these boxes are the ballot boxes. However, these are actually donation boxes used for the financial support of the party’s media outlets.
Results will be announced One and a half hours after the closing of the polls, the first estimate of the results is expected from Koumundourou. The polls, which opened at 8 AM, will close at 7 PM, unless the voting process is extended in some polling stations.
Polakis: Truly great participation In a new post on Facebook, Pavlos Polakis spoke about the great participation in the electoral process.
Sokratis Famellos and his mother’s vote – Ah, mom! With a video on TikTok and using his mother’s vote, Sokratis Famellos expressed his satisfaction with the participation.
Elena Akrita: If Polakis is elected, I will resign and go home Elena Akrita, Member of Parliament for SYRIZA-PS, made known her intention to leave the party if Pavlos Polakis is elected. She stated she would resign from Parliament, “hand over her seat, and go home.” She wrote in her post:
“Labor, social, and human rights go hand in hand.” In the debate, Pavlos Polakis clearly endorsed his homophobic agenda. When asked what line he would give to the Parliamentary Group if he were then the President of SYRIZA-PS regarding the Equality in Marriage bill, he muttered something about an imaginary “expansion of the civil partnership,” something that only exists in the realm of the most creative imagination. He again hid behind surrogacy, deliberately ignoring the amendment proposed by Athena Linou, which strictly tightened the conditions of the process. In this way, Pavlos Polakis sided with the far-right parties and the KKE, who voted against marriage equality. “All are equal, but some are more equal than others.” As for the labor rights he champions, we saw his stance on debate night when he bypassed, without a word, the unpaid colleagues at Avgi and Kokkino.
It’s Sunday afternoon, and we still don’t know who will be elected. However, since I don’t find it ethical to take a position afterward – from a safe distance – I declare: If Pavlos Polakis is elected President of SYRIZA-PS, I will resign, hand over my seat to the party, and go home. I promise. I entered politics for one reason: to fight for human rights. If I can no longer continue this fight, I will leave. I will not stop fighting for equality, visibility, and inclusion, as I have always done. This means we are not lost. We will meet again in the same places. We will fight together for the same invisible people. Elena Akrita Member of Parliament for SYRIZA-PS Responsible for the Equality and Human Rights Sector.
Participation reached 38,000 by 2 PM Regarding participation in the process, Koumundourou announced that:
- By 2 PM, 38,000 citizens had exercised their voting rights at polling stations across the country and abroad.
- The flow is increasing and is expected to surpass 40,000 by the middle of the process.
- No technical or other issues have been reported during the process.
Voting continues Voters can drop money into special “piggy banks” at polling stations to financially support SYRIZA’s media outlets:
And a priest at the polls for the election of the new president of SYRIZA.
At 7 PM, the polls will close, and there is satisfaction with the participation so far.
A key challenge for Koumoundourou is voter turnout in the elections
All four candidates for the leadership of SYRIZA issued calls for participation.
Approximately twice as many people had voted in SYRIZA’s internal elections during the first four hours of the process last year.
Alexis Tsipras Votes in Kypseli
Former SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras cast his vote at the 26th Athens Elementary School, located at 63 Fokionos Negri Street in Kypseli, at 12:00 PM.
Participation Announcement Expected at 12:30 PM
The first official announcement regarding voter turnout is expected at 12:30 PM. SYRIZA’s Koumoundouros headquarters remains optimistic about voter participation.
Nikolas Pappas Votes
At 11:52 AM, Nikolas Pappas, the head of SYRIZA’s parliamentary group, cast his vote.
Polakis: “Those Who Stepped Aside Must Return”
Pavlos Polakis urged party members and supporters who had stepped back to return to the fold. After voting, he declared that SYRIZA would launch an offensive beginning Monday with a targeted and reform-focused agenda, addressing both state systems and the judiciary, which he referred to as the “great patient.” Polakis expressed confidence in his victory and called for unity to propel both the party and the country into a new era.
Nikolas Farantouris: “SYRIZA Can Lead Again”
Nikolas Farantouris expressed confidence in SYRIZA’s ability to take center stage in Greek politics. After casting his vote, he emphasized the importance of strengthening the party and urged citizens to participate in shaping its future.
Voting Process Runs Smoothly
According to reports, the electoral process has been running smoothly across Greece, with polling stations fully operational.
First Participation Estimate at Noon
Koumoundouros officials noted a steady stream of voters since polling stations opened. The first estimate on turnout will be shared shortly.
Apostolos Gkletsos Votes
Apostolos Gkletsos cast his vote in Pangrati, expressing hope for a bright day for the party, democracy, and Greece. “I hope SYRIZA emerges united and stronger, ready to fulfill its historical and social mission,” he stated.
Pavlos Polakis’ Social Media Call to Action
Pavlos Polakis issued a call to SYRIZA supporters via Facebook, urging them to head to the polls.
Nikolas Farantouris’ Message
After voting in Pallini, Farantouris emphasized the importance of creating a large, extroverted SYRIZA. He invited citizens to support this vision for the party.
Sokratis Famellos Votes
Sokratis Famellos cast his vote in Thermi and made a heartfelt appeal for voter participation, calling for a “restart” for SYRIZA.
Famellos highlighted:
- The positivity surrounding the day’s turnout.
- The joy and optimism among SYRIZA members and progressive citizens.
- The importance of supporting the party’s renewed vision.
Famellos thanked electoral committees, volunteers, and supporters and emphasized that SYRIZA must address real-life problems and make tangible improvements for Greece.
Koumoundouros to Provide Turnout Estimates in Two Hours
After two hours of voting, SYRIZA officials reported no technical issues and consistent voter flow nationwide.
Runoff Scheduled for Next Sunday if Necessary
If no candidate secures a majority today, a second round of voting will take place next Sunday, December 1, with the same voter base as today.
Alexis Tsipras Votes at 12 PM in Kypseli
Alexis Tsipras participated in the election at Kypseli’s 26th Elementary School, at 63 Fokionos Negri Street.
Candidates’ Voting Schedule
- Sokratis Famellos: Voted at 10:30 AM in Thermi, with later appearances at election centers in Thessaloniki and Kordelio-Evosmos. He will monitor the results at SYRIZA’s headquarters in Leonidou this evening.
- Pavlos Polakis: Voted at 11:30 AM at the Moschato-Tavros Cultural Center. He will follow the results at SYRIZA’s offices on Syngrou Avenue.
- Nikolas Farantouris: Voted at 10:30 AM at the Old Pallini Town Hall.
- Apostolos Gkletsos: Cast his vote in Pangrati at 11:30 AM.
Voting Information
Voting will continue until 7 PM unless an extension is required. For detailed rules and voting locations.
