ND yet to decide details of leadership vote

Four candidates’ representatives to meet again tomorrow to discuss date

New Democracy has delayed a decision on the details of its leadership vote until tomorrow, when its electoral committee will meet again to discuss when the ballot will be held and who will be allowed to vote.

Representatives of the four candidates met yesterday with members of the committee but did not agree on any of the specifics. Exministers Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Adonis Georgiadis, as well as Central Macedonia Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas favor the vote being held in November. Current leader Evangelos Meimarakis had wanted the vote to take place this month but is thought to be warming to the idea of a longer campaign as it would give him the chance to take advantage of his position to strengthen his credentials, espe- cially through attacks on the government.

Sunday, November 1 is a possible compromise but there are concerns that a runoff ballot between the two best-placed candidates the following Sunday would coincide with the Athens Marathon, making it difficult for some New Democracy supporters to reach polling stations.

Another aspect of the vote that has to be resolved is how much voters will be asked to contribute to party coffers. In 2009, when Antonis Samaras was elected, conservatives had to pay 2 euros to participate in the ballot. However, it is estimated that holding the elections now will cost between 600,000 and 700,000 euros, which means New Democracy will probably have to charge voters more than six years ago.