New Democracy expected to elect new chief by end-October

Following its defeat by leftist SYRIZA in Sunday’s elections, New Democracy is expected to elect a new chief by the end of October after incumbent Vangelis Meimarakis announced a leadership race on Monday.

Meimarakis met with the president of the conservative party’s political council late on Monday and decided to launch the contest immediately, after the party garnered 28.1 percent of the vote compared to 27.8 percent in January’s nationwide ballot, losing to SYRIZA’s 35.5 percent.

The official announcement launching the process so that candidates can express their interest is expected by the end of the week.

Kathimerini understands that Meimarakis, who has the support of those within the party who are loyal to former ND chief Costas Karamanlis, will be running in the race.