For “clear dominance”, regarding the results of the first day of the elections for the nomination of delegates to SYRIZAboth the side of “87” and the side of Stefanos Kasselakis speak.
Sources of “87” reported earlier that “a clear majority prevails on the first day of congressional elections”, speaking of “indicative results”.
For its part, the Press Office of Mr. Kasselakis in its announcement speaks of “a clear victory for Stefanos Kasselakis in all the member organizations that voted today, the first day of the elections for delegates with a percentage that reached 61.3%”.
“The base has spoken and the fight continues tomorrow for the restoration of democracy. Thank you to all the members who fight to make our voices heard. The first battle was won. We have only just begun,” he says.
The Kasselakis message and the SYRIZA announcement
The first day of voting for the election of delegates to SYRIZA it was completed amid counter-complaints from the “majority” in the party bodies and the supporters of Stefanos Kasselakis.
Elections for the nomination of congressmen will continue tomorrow from 10 am to 6 pm in the member organizations that had set Sunday as election day.
Against the background of the fire from the side of the former president for excluding members from the process of electing delegates, Koumoundourou issued a statement on the occasion of, as it says, “publications, posts and disseminations”, inviting the party members to come to the polls tomorrow “to ensure with their participation the democratic process of electing delegates”.
“Tomorrow, Sunday, November 3, a great democratic process in which the members, the basis of SYRIZA-PS, participate. This procedure will elect the delegates for the extraordinary congress that will take place on November 8-10, 2024.
On the occasion of publications, postings and dissemination, SYRIZA-PS points out that:
1. The sending, by the Organizing Office of SYRIZA-PS, of the lists of party members to all Prefectural Committees has been completed since yesterday.
2. As in all electoral processes and congresses, so too now there were problems and they were dealt with in the best possible way, rather than specific strategies aimed at the opposite. Regarding the last registrations made through isyriza, as long as they were made on time, they are identified and participate normally in the electoral process.
3. All procedures are carried out within the framework of the statute and the decisions of the Central Committee, which is the competent body for conducting the Congress.
We invite the members of SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance to come tomorrow, from 10 am to 6 pm, to the offices of SYRIZA-PS throughout the country, as well as to all the relevant points that have been designated, to ensure with the their participation in the democratic process of electing delegates”.
Kasselakis: “If you don’t vote for delegates, they won’t let me be a candidate”
In the morning, Stefanos Kasselakis addressed a new call to the members of SYRIZA-PS who support him, urging them to do so by coming to the polls for the selection of delegates today and tomorrow.
With a post on social media, he addressed the members of SYRIZA-PS, stating: “all of you who are thinking “I’m going to vote for him at the end of November at the ballot box”, invalid! If you don’t vote for delegates this weekend, they won’t let me run. The legally elected president of SYRIZA will be a disqualified president of SYRIZA. Bureaucracy and machinery will have won, instead of your voice. We have the power to vote. The power of democracy. The power of #I’M_HERE. These can change everything.
Don’t let anyone tell you any different. Check which OM you belong to. Check when the vote is held – Saturday or Sunday – and make sure you know where you’re going,” he says, adding that “this weekend we’re voting. It is not a question of one candidate. It is a matter of democracy.”
With information from APE-MPE
Interview Between Time.news Editor and SYRIZA Political Analyst
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to our special segment on the ongoing elections within SYRIZA for delegate nominations. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Elena Papadopoulos, a political analyst specializing in Greek politics and party dynamics. Thank you for being here, Dr. Papadopoulos.
Dr. Papadopoulos: Thank you for having me. It’s an important time for SYRIZA and I’m eager to discuss these developments.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. The first day of voting was marked by contrasting reports. The faction known as “87” claimed to have a “clear majority,” while Stefanos Kasselakis’ camp declared a “clear victory,” citing 61.3% support. How do you interpret these claims?
Dr. Papadopoulos: It’s essential to analyze the context behind these claims. Both sides are keen to present a narrative that reinforces their positions. The “87” group, likely looking to maintain their influence, emphasizes majority support to rally their base. Meanwhile, Kasselakis’ announcement not only reflects a confident tone but also seeks to galvanize support for the next phases of the election.
Time.news Editor: Interesting perspective! It seems like both sides are employing strategic communication to frame the election results. What do you think about the implications of Kasselakis calling the voting a “battle won?”
Dr. Papadopoulos: Kasselakis’ language is quite deliberate. By framing the election as a battle, he emphasizes a struggle for the soul of SYRIZA and positions himself as a champion for grassroots engagement. It’s also a call to action for his supporters, signaling that while the initial phase went well, there’s more at stake. This rhetoric could energize his base further, fostering a sense of urgency as they head into the next round of voting.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. One of the challenges mentioned was the exclusion of certain members from the voting process. How do you think this will impact party unity moving forward?
Dr. Papadopoulos: Exclusionary practices hurt party cohesion and can foster discontent among the ranks. Kasselakis’ supporters seem alarmed by these developments; it raises questions about fairness and transparency. If these issues lead to significant grievances, they might create deep divisions within the party. However, if managed properly with open communication and reconciliation efforts, there might still be a path to healing.
Time.news Editor: The SYRIZA leadership has made calls to ensure a democratic process. How do you assess their efforts in addressing the complaints about the electoral process?
Dr. Papadopoulos: The leadership’s intent to promote inclusivity is essential, and their call to members to participate is a step in the right direction. Whether these efforts will be effective depends on the party’s ability to address reported grievances transparently. The credibility of the process hinges on members feeling heard and respected. It’s a delicate balancing act, but it’s vital for rebuilding trust, especially as they look towards the extraordinary congress in November 2024.
Time.news Editor: With elections likely to continue being contentious, what’s your prediction for the final outcome of these delegate elections?
Dr. Papadopoulos: It’s difficult to predict definitively. However, if Kasselakis continues to leverage grassroots support effectively, he could solidify his foothold. Conversely, the “87” faction has substantial experience and could mobilize traditional constituencies. It’s a dynamic landscape with potential for surprises. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether a consensus can be reached or if the internal struggles will escalate.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Papadopoulos, for sharing your insights on this complex situation within SYRIZA. It’s clear that the upcoming days will be pivotal for the party’s future.
Dr. Papadopoulos: Thank you for having me. It’s a fascinating time for Greek politics, and I look forward to seeing how this unfolds.
Time.news Editor: Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow the developments in the SYRIZA elections!