Greece Election: Exit Polls Suggest Big Syriza Win

Exit polls suggest a historic victory for the anti-austerity Syriza party in Greece's closely fought general election. One poll suggested Syriza took 35.5% of the votes, and the other suggested it took 39.5%, well ahead of the ruling New Democracy party on 23%-27%. It is unclear whether Syriza has enough votes to govern the country alone. Syriza's Alexis Tsipras has pledged to renegotiate Greece's debt arrangement with international creditors. He has also vowed to reverse many of the austerity measures adopted by Greece since a series of bailouts began in 2010. The result is being closely watched outside Greece, where it is believed a Syriza victory could encourage radical leftist parties across Europe. 'Historic victory' Syriza hailed the exit polls as "a return of social dignity and social justice". "What's clear is we have a historic victory that sends a message that does not only concern the Greek people, but all European peoples," spokesman Panos Skourletis told Greek television. Anti-austerity Syriza supporters celebrate after the first exit polls in Athens on January 25, 2015 Syriza supporters in Athens greeted the exit polls with jubilation Elderly supporters of Conservative Prime Minister Antonis Samaras watch the exit poll results at the election kiosk of New Democracy party in Athens, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 Supporters of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras of New Democracy watched with dismay Far-right Golden Dawn and centrist The River came joint third in both exit polls. The proportion of votes won by smaller parties will have a large impact on whether Syriza can gain the required 151 parliamentary seats to have an absolute majority. Source:bbc