Nicosia, Cyprus. A total of 753 candidates have officially entered the race for 56 parliamentary seats for a five-year term, ahead of elections scheduled for May 24. Most candidates are running under political parties, with a smaller number standing as independents.
Candidate numbers and party participation
Of the 753 contestants, 744 are running with 19 political parties and nine are independent. Of the total, 520 candidates are men and 224 women.
Religious group representatives
For the representatives of religious groups in parliament, who do not have voting rights on legislation, the Armenian and Latin representatives have been declared without an opponent. For the Maronites, there are two candidates and elections will go ahead.
Record field and expectations of change
The elections feature a record number of parties and candidates, with the number of candidates up by 102 compared to the 2021 parliamentary elections. The country is bracing for significant changes.
New parties including Alma, Volt and Direct Democracy are expected to affect the standing of traditional polar parties Disy and Akel. Other parties, such as Edek and Dipa, face the prospect of losing ground.
Campaign timeline
Candidates have until May 22 to campaign, with the following day reserved for “radio silence” ahead of the May 24 elections.
Impact of recent political developments
Some view the expected changes as a sign of the times, while others see them as a reaction against the establishment.
Political parties are still reacting to the European Parliament elections two years ago, when outsider Fidias Panayiotou, a young youtuber, finished third with 19.4 per cent.
Two years into his term as an MEP, Panayiotou has set up Direct Democracy and is running with a 56-member team of candidates. Alma, linked to former auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides, is also seeking entry into parliament, as is Volt, which includes candidates such as Alexanda Attalides and Makarios Drousiotis.
Which issues will most influence your vote in the May 24 parliamentary elections?
