Greece adopts new local election code removing second-round voting

A draft Local Government Code in Greece proposes eliminating the traditional second‑round vote for municipal and regional elections. The reform replaces the two‑Sunday system with an alternative‑vote mechanism that transfers second‑choice preferences from smaller parties to the leading candidates.

Under the new model, a mayor can be elected directly in the first round if a coalition exceeds a 42% threshold, or can win with as little as 23‑25% of first‑round votes after the redistribution of alternative votes. The system also grants the winning mayor a reinforced majority in the municipal council, potentially turning a minority voter base into decisive governing power.

Critics argue the change reduces democratic legitimacy by removing the public’s second‑round deliberation, concentrates authority in the hands of well‑networked parties or candidates, and increases central government control over local administrations.