Athens, Jun 17 (AP) The pro-bailout New Democracy party came in first today in Greece's national election and could gather enough support to form a pro-bailout coalition to keep the country in the eurozone. As central banks stood ready to intervene in case of financial turmoil, Greece held its second national election in just six weeks to try to select a new government after an inconclusive ballot on May 6. Today's vote was seen as crucial for Europe and the world, since it could determine whether Greece is forced to leave the joint euro currency, a move that could have potentially catastrophic consequences for other ailing European nations and the global economy. Although official projections late today showed that no party will win enough seats in the 300-member parliament to form a government on its own, Greece's two traditional parties -- the conservative New Democracy and the socialist PASOK -- would have enough seats to form a coalition together. They have both expressed a willingness to work with other European nations to stay in the 17-nation eurozone. The projections showed New Democracy winning 29.5 per cent and 128 seats. The radical left Syriza party, which has vowed to repeal Greece's international bailout deal, was expected to come in second with 27.1 per cent and 72 seats. PASOK trails with 12.3 per cent and 33 seats. To form a majority government, a coalition would need at least 151 seats. The parties vying to win have starkly different views about what to do about the USD 300 billion in bailout loans that Greece has been given by international lenders. MORE (AP)
