The centre right party, has had a difficult year since it has lost twice in general elections from the government of Syriza as well as losing to the national referendum.
The party elections were open to anyone who was willing to sign as a member of the party. As a result around 400.000 people came to vote, a number which is quite impressive and could be read as a sign of disagreement with the current government.
The initial candidates were four, the two which will pass to the second round is K.Mitsotakis and E.Meimarakis.
Mr. Mitsotakis, is the younger of the two, he is one of the most neoliberal voices in his party. He comes from one of the biggest political families of Greece since his father has been leader of the party as well as Prime Minister of Greece. His sister is also one of the most prominent members of the party and of the parliament. Should he win the elections he is expected to attempt an opening of the party to the centre since his profile is moderate.
Mr.Meimarakis became leader of N.D. when the previous Prime Minister resigned after the loss of the elections. He has been a member of the party since his student years and he has served the party from many different positions. He is considered to be closer to the conservative, hard-core body of the party. His political views are closer to what is called “populist right”; a conservative viewpoint which does not necessarily act according to a specific economical theory.
The importance of these elections lies in the fact that the current government is going to find it difficult to pass the measures that it has agreed with the creditors and it will probably need to seek support in the opposing parties.