Exit polls show ruling party ahead in Greek election

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis gives his winning speech after his victory in Greece's national election, in Athens Sept. 17, 2007. (Xinhua Photo)

In Greece, exit polls suggest the ruling New Democracy party has won Sunday's general election.

But it is not clear if the party will have enough votes to win a clear majority and form a strong government. An exit poll for Greece's state TV projected the conservative New Democracy party ahead with 42.2 percent of the vote, and the opposition socialist PASOK party in second place with 38.5 percent. If that is confirmed, it would show a drop in support for both parties.

The New Democracy party's chances of a strong win have been dented by public anger over the the handling of devastating forest fires that killed more than 65 people last month.