MPs seek changes to election silence law after police question social media users

Nicosia, Cyprus. MPs said on Thursday that restrictions on political messages immediately before and during elections were outdated and required revision. Two separate bills have been submitted to amend the 1979 legislation governing parliamentary elections.

Police questioning prompts debate

The issue drew attention after police questioned several people, among them parliamentary candidates, about social media content they posted shortly before the parliamentary vote held in May this year.

Aristos Damianou, an Akel MP, described the situation as an “unacceptable phenomenon”. He said the legislation had existed since 1979 without previously resulting in criminal prosecutions, but that several people had encountered legal trouble following the May elections.

Restrictions and proposed exemptions

The existing law, intended to prevent attempts to influence election results, bans the publication or broadcast of political messages both on election day and the preceding day. Violations carry a maximum prison term of one year, a fine of up to €15,000, or both.

Akel’s bill would generally remove social media posts from those restrictions, while retaining exceptions for people considered influencers.

Politicians, individuals designated as Politically Exposed Persons and others able to shape public opinion would remain prohibited from posting such material during the two-day period.

The Alma party has prepared a similar legislative proposal.