Nicosia, Cyprus. MEP Fidias Panayiotou has been required to rename his political party after the elections service rejected its original title as insufficiently distinct under the law. The revised name has received provisional approval, pending clarification of the party leadership role.
Original name rejected
The elections service rejected the original title “Direct Democracy”, ruling that it describes a system of governance rather than a distinct political formation.
According to information from the elections service, the amended name “Direct Democracy of Cyprus” was accepted because it introduces the distinction required by law.
The service also told Panayiotou that no party may claim exclusivity over the term “democracy” in isolation, as it is a generic political concept.
Provisional approval and outstanding requirement
After objections were raised, Panayiotou submitted a revised application under the name “Direct Democracy of Cyprus”, which received provisional approval from the elections service on Thursday.
The remaining issue concerns the formal definition of the leadership role Panayiotou intends to hold, which must be resolved before the party can be officially registered.
The pending matter relates to Panayiotou’s declaration as “coordinator” of the party, a title the elections service said is not recognised under existing legislation.
The law requires applications to be submitted under a clearly defined title such as president, general-secretary, or party leader.
Next steps toward May elections
Once the leadership issue is settled, approval is expected to be published in the official gazette, allowing Panayiotou’s party to participate in the parliamentary elections scheduled for May.
Senior elections service official Andreas Menelaou said the objections were procedural rather than substantive.
What do you think the elections service should require for a party leadership title under the current law?
