Greece Election Dates Allegedly Postponed

The legislative election in Greece will be rescheduled to dates later in the year according to Greek media sources.

MEGA TV and journalist Christina Korai have said that the first round of the election will take place on May 21 with the second set to take place on July 2.

The decision to delay the election – which has not been officially confirmed – is believed to be a consequence of fallout from the fatal railway disaster on February 28.

Election in Greece rescheduled

The first round of the election was initially believed to have been scheduled for April. However, the latest media reports are citing later dates in May and July.

Reports on the new election timetable are based on anonymous sources who spoke with the media. No official confirmation has yet been given by the government on the polling dates.

The repeat election, now possibly scheduled for July, will utilize the recently introduced enhanced proportional system.

Political environment

Speculation surrounding the election timetable is closely related to the political environment that is evolving in the aftermath of the Tempi railway disaster, which has led to the deaths of at least 57 people and injured 85 more.

Large protests have been taking place across Greece since the train collision. Many of the demonstrators have directed their anger at the government, whom they blame for inadequate funding and management.

As further investigation and public discourse surrounding the tragedy unfolds, it is likely that the tragedy will become highly politicized and may become an important issue when Greeks go to the ballot box later this year.