Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 1.1 "The prefecture is defined as the region for the election of deputies."
Source: Art.1 of Law 3231/2004 as amended by Law 3636/2008 (Law for the election of MPs),
published on the Official Journal of the Government, ΦΕΚ 45/Α/11.2.2004 http://www.dsanet.gr/Epikairothta/Nomothesia/n3231_04.htm
Verified: 2020/07/25
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: d) The existing boundaries of the prefectures are used with the exception of the two major prefectures of the country (prefecture of Attica and prefecture of Thessaloniki) which are subdivided.
Source: Art.1 of Law 3231/2004 as amended by Law 3636/2008 (Law for the election of MPs),
published on the Official Journal of the Government, ΦΕΚ 45/Α/11.2.2004
http://www.dsanet.gr/Epikairothta/Nomothesia/n3231_04.htm
Verified: 2020/07/25
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber)
Comments: Article 54
1. The electoral system and election districts shall be specified by law.
Source: Constitution, art. 54:1
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/25
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
d . Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: The President is elected by the Parliament for a term of 5 years. The person receiving a two-thirds majority of the total number of Members of Parliament shall be elected President of the Republic.
Source: Constitution, art. 30:1
Constitution, Articles 31 and 32
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/25
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
d . Leader of the party which forms the government becomes Head of Government
Comments: The leader of the party having the absolute majority of seats in Parliament shall be appointed Prime Minister by the President of the Republic. If no party has the absolute majority, the President of the Republic shall give the leader of the party with a relative majority an exploratory mandate in order to ascertain the possibility of forming a government enjoying the confidence of the Parliament.
Source: Constitution, art. 37
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/25
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President is the regulator of the Regime and is elected by the Parliament for 5 years.
To be eligible for election to the presidency, a person must be a Greek citizen for at least five years, be of Greek descendence from the father's line, have attained the age of forty and be legally entitled to vote.
Source: Constitution, art. 30-50
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/25
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 64-72
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/25
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: The Parliament is composed of 300 members. 288 deputies are elected by open list proportional representation from multi-member constituencies and 12 deputies are elected by closed party lists in a single country-wide constituency on the basis of the total number of votes that each party received. According to article 99 (3), if there are seats that haven’t been allocated to any party (which might happen due to the complicated allocation system and the 3% threshold required for a party to win any seats in the parliament), the party that received the highest number of valid votes in the whole country gets a bonus of 50 seats.
2015 Update
Under the terms of a 2008 constitutional amendment to the electoral law, the party which wins the highest proportion of the national vote, proceeds to automatically obtain fifty additional seats. This means that only 250 seats, out of a Chamber of 300 deputies, are allocated on the basis of Proportional Representation.
Source: Law 3231/2004 as amended by Law 3636/2008 (Law for the election of MPs), published on the Official Journal of the Government, ΦΕΚ 45/Α/11.2.2004, art. 2, 3, 99 (3)
http://www.dsanet.gr/Epikairothta/Nomothesia/n3231_04.htm
Verified: 2020/07/25
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: a) Constitution, art. 51 - 54
b) Law 3231/2004 as amended by Law 3636/2008
Verified: 2015/02/04
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections d . Referendums e . Other
Comments: c) part of local elections
e) part of elections of representatives to the European Parliament
Source: P.D. 96/2007, (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Law 3231/2004 as amended by Law 3636/2008, (Law on parliamentary elections),
Law 3463/2006, art. 49, (Municipal and Communal Code),
Law 3852/ 2010 ("Kallikratis")art. 9 - 58,
several provisions of Law 1180/1981, Law 2196/1994 and Law 1427/1984 (Laws for European Parliament Elections)
2015 Update
Referendums (Constitution, article 44)
Verified: 2015/02/05
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
b . Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law c . Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
Comments: Voting is compulsory and regulated in both the constitution and the electoral law. The non-voter can be imprisoned for 1-12 months, unless he/she is over 70 years old, he/she is out of the country or more than 200 km away from his/her constituency, or he/she has a legitimate reason for abstaining.
Source: Constitution, art.51:5
P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of legal provisions on parliamentary elections), art. 117
Verified: 2015/02/05
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary c . Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Comments: a) Administrative Courts are competent to handle objections concerning municipal elections.
b) A Supreme Special Court handles objections related to parliamentary elections
Source: a) Law 3463/2006 (Municipal and Communal Code), art. 64 - 67; Law 3852/ 2010 ("Kallikratis"), art. 147 - 153
b) Constitution, art. 58 and 100:1(a); P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of legal provisions on parliamentary elections), art. 125 - 127
Verified: 2015/02/05
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level d . Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: The Directorate of Elections of the Ministry of Interior is in charge of parliamentary and municipal elections, elections of representatives to the European Parliament and referendums.
Source: P.D. 49/1988 as amended, published on the Official Journal of the Government ΦΕΚ 18 - 29.01.1988, art. 9:1
Greece's Ministry of Interior elections website: http://www.ypes.gr/en/Elections/
Verified: 2015/02/05
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: c) In the framework of the national budget introduced by the Ministry of Finance and voted by the Parliament
Source: Constitution, Art.79; Law 2362/1995 as amended by Law 3871/2010
Verified: 2015/02/05
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department g . Other
Comments: d) By the Ministry of Finance
g) By the Supreme Court of Audit
Source: Constitution, Art. 98; P.D. 284/1988 published on the Official Journal of the Government ΦΕΚ 128 - 14.06.1988
Verified: 2012/04/13
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
d . Other
Comments: d) Permanent
Source: Constitution, Art. 103:4; Law 3528/2007 (Code of Civil Servants), art.39
Verified: 2015/02/05
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
a . Governmental
Comments:
Source: P.D. 49/1988 as amended, published on the Official Journal of the Government ΦΕΚ 18 - 29.01.1988, art. 9:1
Verified: 2012/11/13
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
d . Other
Comments: Civil servants of the Ministry of Interior
Source: P.D. 49/1988 as amended, published on the Official Journal of the Government ΦΕΚ 18 - 29.01.1988, art. 9:1
Verified: 2012/11/13
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
d . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: P.D. 49/1988 as amended, published on the Official Journal of the Government ΦΕΚ 18 - 29.01.1988, art. 9:1
Verified: 2012/11/13
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
j . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: P.D. 49/1988 as amended, published on the Official Journal of the Government ΦΕΚ 18 - 29.01.1988, art. 9:1
Verified: 2012/11/13
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body f . Local Governments i . Media
Comments:
Source: P.D.49/1988, Art. 9:5;
P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art. 130:1(d);
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
Law 3463/2006 (Municipal and Communal Code), Art. 40
Verified: 2020/07/25
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments: Also option c. This is done when reforms are introduced
Source: Ministry of Interior / Directorate of Elections: http://www.ypes.gr/el/Elections/
Verified: 2020/07/25
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
a . No m . No information available
Comments:
Source: Ministry of Interior / Directorate of Elections
Verified: 2020/07/25
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: Art. 4.1. Greek men and women citizens who have completed their eighteenth year of age
have a right to vote.
Source: P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art. 4:1
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/26
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: e) Not been deprived of the voting rights
Source: P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art. 4 and Art.5
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/26
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: AND c) The Ministry of Interior / Directorate of Elections is responsible for drawing up and revising the electoral rolls and the local authorities are in charge of the registration of new voters
Source: c) Regarding the local authorities: P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art. 10 and 12
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
d) Regarding the Ministry of Interior / Directorate of Elections: P.D. 96/2007, (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art. 9; P.D. 49/1988 as amended, Art. 9
Verified: 2020/07/26
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Compulsory for every voter above 18.
Source: P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art. 8:3
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/26
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: f) Formal statement of the Head of the party and nomination by the Supreme Court
Source: P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art. 34 and 35
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/26
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship f . Registration j . Other
Comments: f) In the electoral rolls
j) Not been deprived of the voting rights 2) Nomination by the Court of first instance
Source: P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art. 29 and 33
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/26
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 30, 31, 32 and 55;
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art.34:1
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/26
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 29:2;
Law 3023/2002, Art. 1 and 4
https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/UserFiles/bcc26661-143b-4f2d-8916-0e0e66ba4c50/x-xrhmacom-pap.pdf
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/26
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election
Comments:
Source: Law 3023/2002, Art.2
https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/Nomothetiko-Ergo/Anazitisi-Nomothetikou-Ergou?law_id=277423dd-c105-442d-8ebc-a73cd296ba8a
Verified: 2020/07/26
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: a) With some restrictions
Source: Law 3023/2002, Art. 5:1, art.7 and 8
https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/Nomothetiko-Ergo/Anazitisi-Nomothetikou-Ergou?law_id=277423dd-c105-442d-8ebc-a73cd296ba8a
Verified: 2020/07/26
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art. 90-93
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/26
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
e . Court order
Comments: e) In the framework of electoral disputes resolution.
Source: Constitution, Art.58 and 100:1(a);
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art.125-127;
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/26
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
c . Based on result of previous election e . As agreed by special committee
Comments: e) After prior statement of the Inter-party Committee of Elections and the National Council for Radio and Television
Source: Law 3023/2002, Art. 10:1
https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/Nomothetiko-Ergo/Anazitisi-Nomothetikou-Ergou?law_id=277423dd-c105-442d-8ebc-a73cd296ba8a
Verified: 2020/07/26
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Law 3023/2002, Art. 12:2 and 30:2
https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/Nomothetiko-Ergo/Anazitisi-Nomothetikou-Ergou?law_id=277423dd-c105-442d-8ebc-a73cd296ba8a
Verified: 2020/07/26
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
f . 10 or more days
Comments: f) 15 days before elections
Source: P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art. 49:1
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/26
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: a) Political parties are not allowed to spend more than 20% of the last public funding that has been allocated to them.
The maximum amount for individual candidates is calculated according to the number of seats available at his/her constituency
Source: Law 3023/2002, Art. 13-14
https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/Nomothetiko-Ergo/Anazitisi-Nomothetikou-Ergou?law_id=277423dd-c105-442d-8ebc-a73cd296ba8a
Verified: 2020/07/26
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: a) Constitutional provisions related to referenda
Source: Constitution, Article 44
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/26
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Referenda are optional.
Source: Constitution, Article 44
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/26
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Τhe President of the Republic shall by decree proclaim a referendum on crucial national matters following a resolution voted by an absolute majority of the total number of Members of Parliament, taken upon proposal of the Cabinet.
A referendum on Bills passed by Parliament regulating important social matters, with the exception of the fiscal ones shall be proclaimed by decree by the President of the Republic, if this is decided by three-fifths of the total number of its members, following a proposal of two-fifths of the total number of its members, and as the Standing Orders and the law for the application of the present paragraph provide.
No more than two proposals to hold a referendum on a Bill can be introduced in the same parliamentary term.
Source: Constitution, Art. 44:2
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/26
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/26
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/26
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/26
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
b . Sometimes binding
Comments: The result of the referendum regarding important social matters is binding when at least fifty percent (50%) of the registered voters participated in the voting procedure.
Source: Constitution, art. 44;
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Law 4023/2011, art. 16 (4): http://www.hellenicparliament.gr/UserFiles/bcc26661-143b-4f2d-8916-0e0e66ba4c50/d-dhmops-pap.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2020/07/26
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
b . Only other issues than constitutional changes
Comments: Τhe President of the Republic shall by decree proclaim a referendum on crucial national matters following a resolution voted by an absolute majority of the total number of Members of Parliament, taken upon proposal of the Cabinet.
A referendum on Bills passed by Parliament regulating important social matters, with the exception of the fiscal ones shall be proclaimed by decree by the President of the Republic, if this is decided by three-fifths of the total number of its members, following a proposal of two-fifths of the total number of its members, and as the Standing Orders and the law for the application of the present paragraph provide.
No more than two proposals to hold a referendum on a Bill can be introduced in the same parliamentary term.
Source: Constitution, art. 44 (2)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/26
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/26
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections d . At specially designated polling stations
Comments: d) Concerning special groups of electors (prisoners, military staff, seamen, voters who reside in a constituency other than the one where they have been registered, e.t.c) / Art. 53, 69 and 95 of P.D 351/2003
Source: a) P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art. 51, 52 and 55
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
d) Special groups of voters: P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art. 53, 69 and 95
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/26
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
a . Outside the country voting is not permitted
Comments: a) Voting outside the country is permitted only in case of EP elections.
Source: Constitution, Art. 51:4;
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
Ministry of Interior: http://www.ypes.gr/el/Elections/FAQs/
Verified: 2015/02/09
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Ministry of Interior: http://www.ypes.gr/el/Elections/FAQs/
Verified: 2020/07/26
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art. 72:7
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
Verified: 2020/07/26
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