Government spokesperson Sofia Voultepsi announced on Monday (12.08) that the first round of votes for the presidential election will be held on December 17, bringing forward the date of the presidential election, by two months. Former European Commissioner Stavros Dimas has emerged as the frontrunner for Greece's presidential candidacy.

According to the Greek Constitution, the President of the Republic is elected by the Parliament, in three round votes. At the first roll-call vote, at least 200 votes (out of 300) are required. If this number is not reached, a second vote follows five days later. If that is inconclusive, a third round is held with 180 votes needed for the election of a candidate. If the final vote is also inconclusive, snap general elections follow a month later. According to information late last night (8.12), the President of Hellenic Parliament Evangelos Meimarakis set the dates of the three rounds of the presidential vote, on December 17, 23 and 29.