The House Interior Committee discussed today how to handle nicknames, aliases, and candidates with identical names on the same party list in one constituency.
MPs examined whether adding a profession or occupation next to the name could help voters distinguish candidates. They requested the Law Office’s opinion to avoid unequal treatment or discrimination.
The goal is to pass all electoral law amendments at the plenary session on 4 December.
Equal treatment key concern
DISY MP Nikos Sykas said the Law Office’s position must guide the decision to prevent legal challenges or unfair advantages. He noted the Office may accept listing a profession but not a public office title.
DIKO MP Panicos Leonidou expressed personal constitutional concerns about listing professions for some candidates but not others in the same party. He stressed that any solution must treat every candidate equally and avoid creating injustice.
He suggested one option could be to apply the chosen identifier (e.g., profession) to all candidates.
Other reforms in progress
The committee also continued discussing a bill to tackle dangerous buildings more effectively, giving authorities stronger tools like immediate sealing and faster enforcement for public safety.
Also read: Concerns in Parliament over AI impact on democracy
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