Record-breaking nominations submitted
Parliamentary elections in Cyprus reached a historic milestone on Wednesday, with a record number of 753 candidacies and 19 party combinations officially submitted, according to Chief Returning Officer Elikkos Elias.
Elias confirmed that this is the highest number of both candidates and party combinations ever recorded in parliamentary election history.
Sharp increase compared to 2021
Out of the total parliamentary elections candidates, 744 are part of party lists, while 9 are independent candidates.
The number represents an increase of around 100 candidates compared to the 2021 elections, which previously held the record with 15 party combinations and significantly fewer nominations.
Breakdown of party combinations
The 19 political parties that submitted nominations are registered in the official list of political parties. The Returning Officer listed them in alphabetical order.
They are: Agronomos Agricultural Labour Party, AKEL – Progressive Party of Working People, Far-Left Resistance Communism, ALMA – Citizens for Cyprus, Direct Democracy Cyprus, Volt Cyprus, Democratic Change, Democratic Alignment – Cooperation of Democratic Forces, Democratic National Movement (DEN), Democratic Party, Democratic Rally, EDEK – Socialist Party, National Popular Front (ELAM), Active Citizens – United Cyprus Hunters Movement, Ecologists – Citizens’ Cooperation Movement, People’s Struggle Freedom, Patriotic Front Lakedaimonioi, Sikou Pano, and the Green Party of Cyprus.
Gender representation
Of the parliamentary elections candidates, 529 are men (70.3%) and 224 are women (29.7%), according to official data.
Minority representation
The election process also includes nominations for representatives of religious groups.
For the Maronite community, two candidates have been submitted, while Armenians and Latins each have one candidate running unopposed, pending any objections.
Election preparation underway
The Chief Returning Officer said that ballot printing is expected to begin on 9 May, following finalisation of candidate lists and resolution of any objections.
He also confirmed that polling stations will be set up in Cyprus as well as abroad, including Athens, Thessaloniki, London and Brussels.
Emphasis on transparency
Authorities stressed that all eligibility checks have been completed in cooperation with the Law Office, with no issues found regarding candidate qualifications.
Elikkos Elias said the electoral process is progressing in a calm and orderly manner, describing it as a positive sign for democracy.
Also read: Eurostat: Low employment in multinational corporations in Cyprus
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