Greece to hold first round of presidential vote on December 17

Athens: Greece on Monday said it would bring forward the first round of the presidential vote by several months to December 17 after getting a two-month extension from the eurogroup to its bailout programme.

"The political uncertainty must be lifted now," a government statement said. The three-round vote is a key test for Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, who has a narrow majority in parliament, as Greece is likely headed for snap polls if he cannot win support by the third round.