Nicosia, Cyprus. Chief returning officer Elikkos Elia on Friday urged all 569,182 registered voters to take part in Sunday’s parliamentary elections to choose 56 MPs for the next five years. He warned that abstention amounted to giving up a fundamental democratic right.
Call for participation and election oversight
Elia said during a press conference that “abstention is not a simple choice, but is tantamount to waiving a fundamental right.” He described elections as a “fundamental expression of democracy” and said the process would be monitored by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which will later prepare an evaluation report.
Announcement of results
Elia said the new MPs are expected to be officially announced on Monday at noon at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.
Registered voters and special electoral rolls
This year, there are 569,182 registered voters, including 859 Turkish Cypriots, an increase of 11,081 compared with the 2021 parliamentary elections. Another 595 voters are registered on a special electoral roll for enclaved individuals living in the north, with 260 registered in Famagusta district and 335 in Kyrenia district.
Voting arrangements for Turkish Cypriots
Turkish Cypriots will vote at polling stations based on their place of residence and will use the same ballot papers as all other voters. Turkish-language guidance will be available, while Turkish-speaking officers will assist voters at district offices where necessary.
Prisoner voting and ballot handling
In addition, 414 people are registered on the special electoral roll for prisoners, which is updated daily. Ballot boxes from prisons will later be merged with others during counting.
Ballot papers and district colours
Elia said 617,600 ballot papers have been printed on security paper, along with 201,500 sample ballots distributed for information purposes. Each electoral district will use ballot papers in a different colour.
Electorate breakdown and eligibility
Women account for 288,884 voters, or 50.81 per cent of the electorate, while men account for 279,703, or 49.19 per cent. Of the total electorate, 11.08 per cent are under the age of 30 and 21.17 per cent are over 70. All Cypriot citizens aged over 18 who have lived in Cyprus for at least six months are eligible to vote, including Turkish Cypriots holding Republic of Cyprus identity cards and registered addresses in the south.
Will you vote in Sunday’s parliamentary elections?