Greeks look set to return government to power

GREECE’S governing conservatives appeared headed for election victory last night, exit polls showed, despite widespread anger over devastating forest fires that killed more than 65 people last month.

With about 15% of the vote counted, the governing New Democracy party had more than 45% and the opposition socialist Pasok party 38.5%. However, several major electoral districts, including parts of the greater Athens area, were not included in the count.

Several other polling agencies conducting exit polls for private TV stations all showed similar results, projecting that New Democracy was ahead with between 40.2% and 43.7%, and Pasok was in second place with between 36.5% and 39.8%. They also said surveys indicated the right-wing nationalist LAOS party had won enough votes to enter parliament.