The parliamentary elections 2026 recorded significant changes across the political spectrum compared with the 2021 parliamentary vote, with voter movement, the rise of new political parties and notable losses for traditional political forces reshaping the electoral map.
The Democratic Rally (DISY) retained first place with 27.1% and 101,013 votes in 2026, compared with 27.77% and 99,329 votes in 2021. While the party gained 1,684 additional votes, its overall share fell slightly by 0.67 percentage points.
Meanwhile, AKEL strengthened its position significantly, rising from 22.34% and 79,913 votes in 2021 to 23.9% and 88,777 votes in 2026. The increase represents an additional 8,864 votes and a gain of 1.56 percentage points.
ELAM records biggest gains
The most dramatic shift in the elections came from ELAM, which sharply increased its electoral strength.
The party rose from 6.78% and 24,255 votes in 2021 to 10.9% and 40,567 votes in 2026. The increase of 16,312 votes and 4.12 percentage points marked the strongest electoral growth among all parties.
Pressure on centre parties
At the same time, DIKO recorded losses, dropping from 11.29% and 40,394 votes in 2021 to 10% and 37,222 votes in 2026.
Even heavier losses were recorded by the historic EDEK party, which fell from 24,023 votes and 6.72% in 2021 to 12,099 votes and 3.3% in 2026, failing to secure parliamentary representation. The decline amounted to 11,924 votes.
DIPA also suffered losses, falling from 21,832 votes and 6.10% to 11,693 votes and 3.1%, losing 10,139 votes overall and its place in parliament.
Greens lose support
The Movement of Ecologists – Citizens’ Cooperation was also among the major losers of the elections.
The party dropped from 15,761 votes and 4.41% in 2021 to 7,264 votes and 2% in 2026, losing 8,497 voters.
New political movements emerge
The political landscape in 2026 also changed with the entry of new political formations that did not have a comparable electoral presence in 2021.
ALMA secured 21,700 votes (5.8%), while Direct Democracy Cyprus received 20,159 votes (5.4%).
At the same time, Active Citizens gained 11,890 votes (3.2%), and Volt Cyprus secured 11,487 votes (3.1%).
The overall picture points to a shifting electoral landscape, with stronger support for ELAM and AKEL, DISY maintaining first place and substantial weakening among parties in the centrist and intermediate political space.
Turnout and abstention
The 2026 parliamentary elections again recorded high abstention rates, underscoring the long-standing challenge of voter participation.
According to the final figures, 380,851 voters cast ballots out of 569,182 registered voters. Voter turnout reached 66.91%, while abstention stood at 33.09%.
In comparison, turnout in 2021 reached 65.72% with abstention at 34.28%, meaning participation increased by around 1.2 percentage points.
Despite the improvement, nearly one in three voters still abstained from the electoral process.
Also read: Six parties enter Parliament: These are the 56 new MPs
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