The traditionally dominant Socialists and conservatives could lose as much as half of their support, as angry voters flock to parties that oppose the harsh terms of rescue-loan agreements that have pushed a recession to a fifth year and the rate of unemployment to nearly 22 percent.

One of the parties poised to enter parliament is the fascist Golden Dawn, which has been blamed for a recent spike in violent attacks against immigrants in Athens neighborhoods.

The party, whose supporters dress in black and use Nazi-like salutes, has drawn as much as 5.2 percent of the vote according to opinion polls.

Venizelos joined an appeal made by conservatives and others, urging Golden Dawn supporters to reconsider.

“From here, two days before the elections, we shout out that out that society must not be tainted by fascism,’’ he said. “We say no those who those who support neo-Nazism.’’