(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) Hens may 18 (qna) - greeks began casting their ballots in the first round of municipal and regional elections on sunday seen as an important test for the austerity driven conservative-socialist government.
the elections in which some 9.8 million citizens are eligible to vote will cover 325 mayoral and 13 regional races across the country. polling stations will close at 1600 gmt.
a second round of voting will be held on may 25 to coincide with european parliament elections.
the top two candidates will battle it out where necessary in the runoff local vote. a result of more than 50 per cent is required for outright victory.
the vote is seen as the first big electoral test for the conservative-led government of antonis samaras since he took office in 2012.
it takes place as the country struggles to return to growth following years of unpopular austerity measures and reforms which has seen unemployment soar to nearly 27 per cent.
voters are expected to extend their support to anti-austerity parties mainly the far-left syriza party which is calling for many of the austerity reforms demanded under the country's international bailout to be scrapped. (qna)
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