Greeks ready for future-defining poll

A sunny day in Athens just ahead of a pivotal vote for both Greece and the European single currency.

Sunday's crucial poll will demonstrate whether Greeks are prepared to accept the tough bailout deal set by international lenders - or tear it up.

Victory for a party opposed to the bailout plan like the radical left's Syriza could send shockwaves through global financial markets.

The other frontrunner, the conservative New Democracy party, is willing to accept the bailout plan with modifications.

Many Greeks say they want to remain in the euro zone, despite the pain of the cutbacks and austerity measures.

(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) ALEXANDROS KOSTAS, PRIVATE EMPLOYEE, 59, SAYING:

"Definitely we'll go and vote. Greeks must go and vote because we must remain in the euro and the euro zone."

(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) PETROS ROSOS, TEACHER, 47, SAYING:

"In this election as in the previous my criterion remains the same. I will vote for a party that will carry on with the bailouts and the reforms in relation to the bailouts."

The election was called after a poll in May failed to deliver a clear winner and coalition talks collapsed.

Sunita Rappai, Reuters