Paphos, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides called on the public to take part in Sunday’s parliamentary elections after voting in Paphos, saying abstention is not an option. He said the outcome would be respected and that the executive would work with the new parliament.
Voting in Paphos
Christodoulides voted shortly after 10 a.m. at the First Primary School of Yeroskipou, accompanied by First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides. After casting his ballot, he described the electoral process as important because it concerns the legislative power of the country.
Call for participation
The president said the executive wants a parliament it can cooperate with for the good of the country, society and the public interest. He urged wider turnout and referred to recent electoral reforms designed to increase participation, including automatic voter registration and legislation lowering the voting age to 17 from the next electoral cycle.
Respect for the result
Asked whether he was anxious about the outcome, Christodoulides said he was not. He said the government would fully respect whatever result emerges and would work with the new parliament so that the country can advance further.
Campaign tone
Christodoulides also said the election campaign should have focused more on substantive issues affecting the public and on developments related to the Cyprus problem.
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