Municipal elections in Greece: six mayors receiving 100 votes

In six of the country’s 332 municipalities candidates did not have to campaign. Just because… there was no opponent, and as a result they received 100% of the votes. None of these mayors are “newbies” as they have all been re-elected 2-4 times.

Of the six municipalities mentioned above, five are islands: four in the south Aegean (Antiparos, Ios, Lipsi and Sikinos) and one in the north Aegean (Psara). The only municipality of mainland Greece and the largest in terms of population among these municipalities is Topiros in Xanthi. Its mayor, Thomas Mihoglu, was re-elected for the 3rd time. “It was the first time I ran unopposed,” he explains. “In the previous elections there were three combinations, and I was elected with 60%. So the “municipal change” combination was joined by very good members of the other two factions, so in the last elections it will probably be there was no room for another faction.”

A solo run to the polls may not carry the stress of the outcome, but it does have its risks. “When you’re running alone, you’re afraid of unvoted and blank ballots because it’s a way of showing that the public doesn’t want you. So we had 53% turnout out of 16,000 registered voters and only 2% blanks, so I I think we were more widely accepted.”

Absolute dominance of the mayors of Antiparos, Io, Lipsi, Sikinos, Psara and Topirou from Xanthi. If someone is re-elected for the third time unopposed, it is clear that the local community recognizes his contribution (or the mayoral candidate has “destroyed” his rivals). However, he still must have a program for his new term in office. When asked what the biggest project is for the municipality of Topiros, Mihoglu does not hesitate: “We have committed to replacing the entire water supply network, which is over 50 years old. We have already replaced 70% and are continuing to work.”

The record of Mr. Kostas Vratsanos, the mayor of the city of Psara, is the number of terms in office. “This is the fourth time, but the first without an opponent,” he says. “The first two times I was very close to the combination of opponents, the third time I won with 73%, and now I have no opponent.” However, despite a significant number of re-elections, he has not yet thought about resigning. “Mayors are like crucified people. Everyone protests while they are on the cross, but no one wants to be taken down from the cross, – he laughs. – Sometimes you get frustrated and think you don’t want to continue. Sometimes something good happens that, especially in small places, has greater meaning and gives satisfaction and pride. You say, “I have achieved something for my fellow men,” and you muster the courage to continue.”.

What the mayor of Psara is proud of is the completion of the water supply and sewerage networks and biological treatment: “The big project we are embarking on is a new building for the island’s medical clinic, which is very important for a small island municipality.”

Fotis Magos is running for the third term as mayor of Lipsi, and his personal record is that he is running unopposed. “I’m spoiled, he says with a laugh. – I think if I had an opponent, I would have been beaten badly.”. But how does he explain this fact?

“Firstly, in small places there is no political interest, there is no “anointing”. In addition, this is a more fertile ground for partnership. This plays a role especially in Lipsi, since in recent years very important projects have been implemented here, such as a 24-hour supply of quality water and the expansion of the harbor, which has changed the coastal area. In addition, we have done a great job of recycling waste and keeping our beaches free of sun loungers, which gives us a special character. And this in small communities is very important because it frees us from the provincial syndrome, we feel that we have something to be proud of.”

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