Elections for a new parliament for a five-year legislative period began on Sunday in the EU island republic of Cyprus.
May 24, 2026, 9:18 amMay 24, 2026, 9:18 am
The polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time (6 a.m. CEST), as reported by Cypriot broadcaster RIK. According to the Interior Ministry, a total of 17 parties and some independent candidates are campaigning for the votes of around 569,000 eligible voters. There is a clause of 3.6 percent of the vote to enter parliament.
Cyprus elects a new parliament. (archive image)Image: keystone
Polls suggest a close race between the conservative Democratic Total Movement (DISY) and the left-wing Building Party of the Working People (AKEL). At the same time, gains are expected for right-wing forces and political outsiders. These include, among others, the right-wing extremist party ELAM and a party run by a populist YouTuber and political newcomer who was elected to the European Parliament in 2024 as an independent candidate.
Role of Parliament
The election has no direct impact on the government: according to the constitution, political power lies with the head of state, who is directly elected by the people. Conservative President Nikos Christodoulidis, in office since 2023, forms and leads the government. Parliament primarily assumes a control function. The election is therefore considered an important mood barometer for the 2028 presidential election.
The election campaign focused, among other things, on the consequences of the war in the nearby Middle East, which is affecting prices and the country’s most important source of income – tourism. Topics such as migration, nepotism and corruption as well as the occupation of the north of the island by Turkish troops since 1974 and the resulting de facto division of the island were also intensively discussed.
Process of the election
Polling stations close at 6:00 p.m. local time (5:00 p.m. CEST). Immediately afterwards, the first forecasts based on voter surveys after voting are expected. A preliminary official final result is expected around 7:30 p.m. CEST. (sda/dpa)