The new election law, introducing simple proportional representation of the political parties in Parliament, was passed in Parliament early on Friday. A total of 281 deputies voted in three rounds (in principle, per article and in total), out of which 179 backed the new law, 86 voted against and 16 MPs voting “present”.
As expected the bill was primarily supported by SYRIZA, the Independent Greeks (ANEL) which is the coalition government party, and the Union of Centrists. The Communist Party voted against the bill in principle, but supported all individual articles, except the one on the 3% vote requirement for parties to enter Parliament.
Two new provisions of the law include lowering the voting age from 18 years to 17 and abolishing the bonus of 50 seats awarded to the winning party in national elections. It also introduces a simple proportional representation system. The new law will go into effect in the elections after next, however 17-years-old will also get to vote in the next general elections.
The parties upheld the 3% minimum requirement of the total votes a party needs to enter Parliament.