Newsroom
Cyprus has recorded its highest number of parliamentary election candidates and party lists ahead of the May 24 vote, according to General Returning Officer Elikkos Elia.
A total of 753 candidacies were submitted on Wednesday, including 744 linked to political parties and nine independent contenders. Election authorities also confirmed the participation of 19 party lists, surpassing the previous record set during the 2021 parliamentary elections, when 15 party groupings competed.
Officials said the latest figure represents an increase of just over 100 candidates compared with the last parliamentary contest.
The parties entering the race are all officially registered political organisations. They range from long-established parties such as AKEL, Democratic Rally, Democratic Party and EDEK to newer formations including Volt Cyprus and Alma – Citizens for Cyprus.
Men account for the majority of candidates, with 529 submissions, or 70.3 percent of the total. Women make up 224 candidacies, representing 29.7 percent.
Some parties have submitted full candidate lists in every electoral district, while others are contesting selected districts or fielding fewer candidates.
Election officials are expected to publish the complete candidate lists by district and party in the coming days.
Separate nominations were also filed for representatives of Cyprus’ recognised religious groups. Two candidates entered the race for the Maronite representative seat, making a vote likely for that position. In contrast, only one nomination was submitted for the Armenian and Latin representatives, meaning both candidates could be declared elected if no objections are lodged within the legal deadline.
Elia said authorities had already reviewed questions connected to the eligibility of several candidates after reports and complaints reached the Interior Ministry. Legal advisers concluded that all individuals examined were entitled to stand in the election.
The nomination process remains open to objections for a limited period before the final candidate lists are confirmed.
Preparations are also underway for ballot production. Printing is expected to begin on May 9 following consultations with the Government Printing Office. Officials are considering a double-sided ballot format in Nicosia because of the large number of party lists and candidates.
Staffing arrangements for polling stations are nearing completion, according to election authorities. Polling centres will operate across Cyprus and abroad, including in Athens, Thessaloniki, London and Brussels.
Elia described the nomination day as an important moment for democracy and praised the orderly atmosphere during the submission process across all districts.
