The upcoming October contest for leadership of the socialist PASOK party has attracted a record number of eight candidates, including former minister Anna Diamantopoulou. The election poses an interesting question of whether the winner will be determined by party officials or popular supporters who can vote with a simple 2 euro fee.
PASOK introduced mass party leadership voting in 2004, a method also used by New Democracy and SYRIZA. However, this system is vulnerable to non-committed voters influencing the outcome. PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis has considered restricting eligibility but faces challenges in implementation.
Notably, few of PASOK’s 32 MPs have endorsed any candidates, aside from five running for leadership. One exception is MP Odysseas Konstantinopoulos, who endorsed Athens Mayor Haris Doukas as the needed new leader.
The contest reflects a power struggle within the party, with the outcome potentially shaping the future trajectory of PASOK in Greek politics.