Another Democratic Exercise - the Greek Vote

For the second time in nine months, the Greeks went to the polls again yesterday to elect a new government. Election results indicate that the world's oldest democracy has reaffirmed its confidence in the young socialist, Alexis Tsipras and his Syriza Party.

Tsipras and the Syriza Party won 145 of the 300 seats in the Greek Parliament - giving Tsipras, the mandate to form a new government in coalition with the small right wing Independent Greeks Party. Syriza opted not to form a coalition with the larger conservative New Democracy Party, which gained 28.5 percent of vote, over some concerns from European Union(EU) members, who are suspecting of the right wing Independent Greeks.

Whatever concerns some may have over the choices of Tsipras, he has sustained the trust of the Greek people even in light of the $97 billion bailout the country has received in order to remain functioning. 

However, the belt-tightening road that lies ahead for the Greeks will sure test the resolve of the new government and its people as harsh austere measures are brought to wrought.