Is Greece's political system in crisis?
In a recent conversation between friends the matter of democratic procedure arose, resulting in a heated discussion and-of course-disagreement among friends.
What is the acceptable level of participation in a general election?
In the last general election in Greece on September 2015, the second in one year, it was argued that the people spoke in favour of the status quo and returned as winners the winners of the previous election of January 2015.But is this true or is it another "brick on the wall"?
Alex. Tsipras leader of SYRIZA winner of both elections. Is he happy with the course of Democracy in Greece?
Here are the statistics.
January 2015
People eligible to vote: 9.911.495 100.00%
Voted: 6.330.786 63.87%
Abstentions: 3.580.709 35.13%
September 2015
People eligible to vote: 9.840.525 100.00%
Voted: 5.566.295 56.57%
Abstentions: 4.274.230 43.43%
It is obvious that within 8 months the abstentions rose by 8.3%; a percentage which is enough to completely change the political spectrum of the Parliament.
If these people were people who were disillusioned with politics, then the outcome could be very different.
Also the fact is that in the September election just over half OF the eligible voters went to the poles.
If these elections were won by a "rightist" party then the "leftist" parties would call the election undemocratic, whereas now they call it the WILL OF THE PEOPLE.
Results by district showing the two top party distribution
January 2015 September 2015SYRIZA
NEW DEMOCRACY