Athens - Greek voters began casting their ballots Sunday in parliamentary elections in which the governing Conservatives, under fire over corruption, the economic crisis and a wave of social discontent, are expected to lose to opposition Socialists. The election is seen as another match between the heirs to two of the most powerful political dynasties that have dominated politics in the southern Mediterranean country since the 1950s.
The main opposition Socialist PASOK of George Papandreou, 57, is widely expected to defeat the Conservative New Democracy party of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, 53.
PASOK has been ahead by up to 6 per cent in opinion polls but it is not certain if it will be able to achieve an outright majority at the polls.
Anything less could result in no party winning an outright majority, forcing new elections to be called, possibly in November.
Analysts say a delay in forming a new government could be detrimental to the country's economy which is on the verge of a recession.
Nearly 10 million registered voters are due to cast their ballots Sunday. The first exit polls are expected immediately after voting stations close at 1600 GMT.
"Voting is progressing normally with minor problems across the country," said Interior Ministry official Spiros Flogeris.
Parties expected to pass the 3 per cent hurdle to enter parliament, include the Communist Party of Greece KKE, the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) and the ultra-conservative People's Orthodox Alarm (LAOS).
Karamanlis called the snap election last month, halfway through his second-term, hoping to win a fresh mandate to tackle tough economic reforms such as a freeze on public sector hiring.
PASOK has proposed a different policy to tackle the economic crisis by promising 3 billion euro stimulus package by taxing the rich and helping the poor.
Casting his ballot in the northern port city of Thessaloniki, the prime minister described Papandreou's proposals as unrealistic saying "I have faith in the Greeks that they will select difficult policies which will lead to growth."
Panagiotis Patrakis, an economist professor at the University of Athens said improving the state of public finances is the primary challenge of the next government, as is taking all necessary measures to inflate economic activity.
Poor state revenues forced the government to resort to borrowing 52 billion euros so far this year in order to finance a widening budget deficit, expected to exceed 8 per cent of gross domestic product.
Other major challenges facing the government include the issues of illegal immigration and unemployment.
Karamanlis has fallen out of favour with many voters in the wake of a series of financial scandals that have embroiled his government, with allegations of corruption leading to the worst riots Greece has seen in decades.
Security was heightened around the election after a small bomb exploded just minutes before the prime minister took to the stage to make his final campaign speech on Friday.
A far-left group, Conspiracy Nuclei of Fire, claimed responsibility for the bombing and another against the Socialist government's spokeswoman on the economy on September 23.
Police have since arrested four of the group's members, while six remain at large.
