Oriana Papantoniou
Political parties are increasingly moving to the rhythm of opinion polls, both public and private, as Cyprus heads into the final two months before voters go to the ballot box.
Even if most parties refuse to admit it openly, polling data is largely shaping their strategy and messaging ahead of election day. For some, the elections are a matter of prestige and political strength. For others, the battle is far more existential, with survival itself at stake.
At this stage, no poll clearly predicts which party will finish first. Constant international developments, particularly the ongoing war in the region, alongside major domestic challenges such as the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, are creating uncertainty and reshuffling political dynamics. Voter reactions remain fluid, and with rising living costs weighing heavily on households, the political landscape could still shift significantly before election day.
DISY: Internal debates and shrinking undecided voters
At the headquarters of the Democratic Rally (DISY), party officials have been closely analyzing a new internal poll in recent days, reportedly sparking heated discussions over how to approach undecided voters.
Losses of DISY supporters to ELAM are now seen by some within the party as irreversible, while the stance toward voters who back President Nikos Christodoulides continues to cause internal debate. Officially, however, party leadership insists its opposition strategy remains unchanged.
Separate polls commissioned by individual DISY candidates, particularly in Nicosia, have fueled speculation about who is leading the race within party ranks. Names frequently mentioned include MPs Dimitris Demetriou and Savia Orphanidou, former Health Minister Giorgos Pamboridis, former Defense Minister Charalambos Petrides, and several emerging figures gaining political momentum.
Despite polling numbers potentially exceeding 24%, analysts warn it will be difficult for DISY to maintain its current 17 parliamentary seats, as a more fragmented, multi-party parliament appears increasingly likely.
Economic policy, energy issues, and tourism challenges currently give DISY an opportunity to present itself as an experienced governing force. The key question, however, is whether voters will be convinced by its claims of responsibility and seriousness, particularly amid criticism that the party lacks a clear collective vision. Some candidates privately complain that cooperation is limited, with many figures appearing focused more on personal political futures, including the 2028 presidential race, than on party unity.
AKEL focuses on social issues
Meanwhile, left-wing party AKEL is doubling down on social policy, an area it traditionally handles well, while emphasizing direct contact with voters.
Candidates have reportedly been given greater freedom in managing their social media campaigns, a shift from previous centralized party control. The inclusion of younger candidates has also helped mobilize voters who were previously disengaged.
AKEL’s main goal remains reducing voter abstention and preventing further losses to the ALMA movement following the departure of MP Irene Charalambidou. Regional tensions and war-related rhetoric have not favored a party that avoids nationalist messaging, prompting it to highlight everyday economic concerns, especially rising prices and support for ordinary citizens.
Governing parties and the battle for relevance
DIKO appears to be gaining modest ground in recent polls but is still unlikely to reach levels that would secure a decisive kingmaker role. Its rivalry with the Direct Democracy movement for fifth place has intensified political tensions, occasionally turning personal.
Party officials are emphasizing the government’s achievements while calling for a strong political center, urging voters not to support smaller parties struggling for survival. Party leader Nikolas Papadopoulos has framed the election as a choice for seriousness and responsibility over populism.
At EDEK, optimism has grown as polls suggest the party could narrowly retain parliamentary representation. Efforts are focused on party unity and rebuilding ahead of an internal congress after the elections, though attempts to bring back former senior figures have had limited success.
DIIPA, despite completing its candidate lists, has yet to generate sufficient momentum to secure its place in the next parliament, arguing that past polls have underestimated its support.
Smaller parties seek momentum
Volt is encouraged by polling trends and plans to expand its grassroots presence, opening campaign headquarters in Nicosia and soon Limassol to strengthen engagement with supporters while increasing its visibility online.
The Greens movement is finalizing preparations ahead of a nationwide conference, aiming to present itself as a strong parliamentary voice on environmental and social challenges facing the country.
ELAM consolidates gains
Far-right party ELAM appears to be consolidating support and attracting voters, mainly from DISY, with polls placing it firmly in third position. Analysts say public anxiety linked to regional conflict and rising patriotic sentiment has boosted the party’s visibility, while its messaging increasingly focuses on economic concerns and everyday struggles facing citizens.
With two months still to go, the only certainty is uncertainty. As economic pressures grow and global events continue to influence local politics, Cyprus’ electoral race remains wide open and far from settled.
