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Main opposition leader calls for "return of hope" as Greeks vote in general election

Xinhua, January 25, 2015 Adjust font size:

Greece's main opposition Radical Left SYRIZA party leader Alexis Tsipras called on the electorate to take the last step for the "return of hope" to the country as Greeks went to polls on Sunday.

"Greek people are called to decide with determination to complete the step for the return of hope, the end of fear, the return of democracy and dignity to our country," Tsipras said after casting his ballot in central Athens.

The Leftist leader argued that the dilemma of the elections was clearer than ever.

"Today we decide on whether troika (the European Commission, ECB and International Monetary Fund) returns to Greece tomorrow for the implementation of Mr. Samaras' commitments for further cuts on pensions and salaries, for further tax hikes, for the continuation of a failed and destructive endless austerity policy mix, or whether our country claims with security what is rightful for Greek people: a life with dignity and social cohesion, whether the country will reclaim in a tough negotiation its position as an equal member of European Union," he said.

"I am optimistic. Today will be a historic day. I believe Greek people will make the final step and dignity will be restored," he added, before making a statement also in English.

"Democracy and social cohesion will return to Greece. Our future in Europe is not the future of austerity, but the future of Democracy, solidarity and collaboration," Tsipras told reporters waiting outside the voting booth.

The Greek elections have attracted the heightened interest of international media with more than 876 reporters from 45 countries arriving in Greece to cover the electoral battle, according to data of the General Secretariat for Communication.

Polling stations opened at 7:00 a.m. (0500 GMT) and will close at 7:00 p.m. local hour (1900 GMT).

First exit polls are expected to come out shortly after the voting ends. The first official estimates will be released by the Interior Ministry at around 21:30 local time (1930 GMT