By Antonis Antzolettos

It may be that the Prime Minister may insist that there will be no changes to the electoral system, however, for the next national polls, but for the self -administration In 2028 the differences have already been announced by Interior Minister Theodoros Livanos and there are many.

Autumn is expected to be fought in the House in relation to how the new mayors and regional governors will emerge. Some argue that this bill could be an “opportunity” to open the debate on some, albeit limited, amendments to the electoral law.

For example, the increase in the entry limit for parties in the House now at 3%. This, however, is not confirmed by the government.

The spirit of the Law on OTA elections brings a major change concerning the abolition of the second round of elections. For the 332 municipalities and the 13 regions, everything will now be judged in the first ballot box, as citizens will be called upon to put a cross of preference as they have done so far. Only they will now be able to choose – if they wish – an alternative supplementary vote.

It goes without saying that all possible combinations will be listed on the ballot. How will the count? With the same logic. If the first combination passes 42% then it is automatically elected mayor – regional governor with a majority of 3/5 to the City Council.

If no candidate manages to exceed the electoral bar then the second phase of the count is activated.

For the first two combinations – which according to the previous electoral law would clash on the second Sunday – the votes that have already gathered will be added by alternative votes. Mayor or Regional Governor will be the person who will have the most crosses of most crosses.

To make it more understandable, the following example is listed: if the “A” combination has garnered 38% and “B” 28% are the first two qualifying the next phase. A 34%is lagging behind. If it supposedly a 6% in the “A” combination and a “18%” in B and 10% do not choose anyone then the second combination is the one to win.

What are the profits of the new way of electing local government leaders beyond the financial benefit of not holding a second election? Participation in the second round is always obviously reduced with the interest of citizens to be lost, if for example the mayor who wish and are invited to come to the polls only for their region.

It was essentially an indifferent process. And for the heterodimers it is difficult for the second consecutive Sunday to go to the place where they are registered. The numbers are indicative. In the municipality of Athens in the second round in 2023, only 26.7% voted and 32.5% in Thessaloniki. It is also not easy to involve heterodimers.

The interior minister is also focused on introducing electronic vote. To strengthen transparency, stricter spending limits are established in the election campaigns depending on the population of the municipality or the region. It will also be established a single fee for each candidacy which will be calculated on the basis of the population of each municipality and not by the number of candidates thereby limiting the burden of combinations financially. In any case, the attitude of the opposition will be of great interest to the “battle” to the House, and even the current mayors – regional governors.