By Antonis Anzoletou

It is no secret that the parties have their eyes set on abstention. In 2019, 58.69% of the electorate went to the polls and in 2014, 59.33%. What is it that scares the staff of the political forces in view of June 9? First, world weariness. Since last year in June, two national elections have been held, while the two rounds of local elections followed. For the people of SYRIZA, it is reminded that internal party polls were also set up in September. Since the stake does not concern the election of a new government, it is doubtful whether even those active in political matters and common citizens will find the will to come to the school screens. This may be helped by the already great polarization and the fact that the party leaders have given these polls a referendum character. The last Eurobarometer predicted that participation would be increased throughout the old continent, including Greece. The energy crisis and precision has stimulated interest and Europe’s contribution is now considered imperative.

It also doesn’t help that the polls will be held at the beginning of the summer. Especially for the people who are not partisan in the beach or election dilemma, it will not be difficult to answer. It is normal for a large part of the undecided to turn towards the sea, avoiding being forced to come to an end. The next national elections will be held in 2027 and the time period is very long.

It is normal for many people to feel that whatever message is given now is extremely premature to draw political conclusions. This element may not rally the parties to a great extent and many people may choose to “rest” until the parliamentary elections in three years.

The approximately 200,000 who have chosen to vote by mail may help increase participation. The number may not be large, however, since these votes were considered by the majority to be “lost”, it is a gain.

The fact that for the first time since 2009 the European elections will not be held in parallel with the elections for the two levels of local government, as was defined by the “Kallicratis” that was established during the ministry of Yannis Ragousis, is causing concern. The member of the Political Secretariat of SYRIZA stated through his post that “the main reason that in 2010 I proposed in the context of Kallikratis, the simultaneous holding of European elections and self-governing elections was the great concern caused by the reduced participation in the European elections of 2009, compared to those of 2004. Specifically, in 2009, in the European elections, there was a decrease in participation compared to the 2004 European elections, of the order of one (1) million voters”.

Quoting the relevant data, Mr. Ragousis added: “6,283,637 citizens took part in the 2004 European elections, which were held by themselves. In the 2009 European elections, which were held alone, 5,261,749 citizens took part. 5,941,636 citizens took part in the 2014 European elections, which were held together with the municipal elections. In the European elections of 2019, which were also held together with the local elections, 5,920,355 citizens took part”.