A few days ago, the Parliament—with only the New Democracy party voting in favor—amended the electoral law for the upcoming local elections. It established a single-round election system (without a runoff between the top two slates, as had been the case until now).

As was revealed in Parliament, the sole reason is to «protect» the government candidates and prevent a recurrence of «incidents» such as Kostas Bakoyannis’s defeat by Haris Doukas in the Athens municipal election…

In a nutshell:

– Realizing that it has suffered irreparable damage both politically and at the local government level, New Democracy is attempting to subvert the will of the people by passing an electoral law it believes will work in its favor. Thus, the coalition that receives the most votes dramatically increases its chances of being elected, regardless of its percentage of the vote… Otherwise, there was a «risk» of counter-coalitions forming in the second round of local elections (which has now been abolished), and mayors who have been labeled as failures— mayors who served as the long arm of the New Democracy party-state, would be unable to secure an absolute majority at the polls. That is why they seek to be elected with the smallest possible percentage of the vote!!!

– The new electoral system eliminates the second round of local elections—that is, the round in which, in 2023, New Democracy suffered major defeats in municipal and regional elections. Local governments will be elected in a single round, but with a second count using a «multiple-choice» ballot in the event that no single coalition secures more than 42% of the vote in the first count. Under the new election law, local government coalitions that are absolutely unwilling to vote for the coalition supported by New Democracy will no longer be able to form alliances in the second round.

How is this law enforced:

– However, every law, no matter how well-crafted it may be, has its «weak spots.» We just need to identify them in time and address them.

– This law, as it applies to small municipalities such as Kythira, can be addressed in a simple way: By forming a coalition with local government characteristics that brings together those who want a change in leadership and policy in the municipalities.

– This is something we can and must discuss in Kythira and Antikythira among those of us who believe that our islands need to turn a new page, must achieve self-governance through a realistic and feasible plan, with individuals of proven competence, with individuals whose priority is not to serve any particular political party, any particular contractors, or any collusion…

– I believe that this local government coalition has room for those who commit to three things:

A clear plan that prioritizes changing the economic and productive model of our islands. This policy and practice—which drives away young people, benefits only a few, and is anti-development—cannot continue.
Through a clear process of democratic decision-making at the local government level. There should be no «one-man rule»; instead, decisions should be made collectively.
The coalition should be composed of individuals who are not beholden to any vested interests, who are not entangled in conflicts of interest, who do not prioritize their party affiliation or sympathies, and who accept the democratic process.

‘Such a coalition can be formed with the participation of existing coalitions, both established and new members, and with the support of all of us. Those who are not seeking office for themselves but wish to contribute to overturning the current regime of arrogance and inefficiency can also participate in this effort.