Just days before the parliamentary elections of 24 May 2026, citizens have access to a digital tool that allows them to compare their political views with those of political parties. The vote advisor platform Choose4Cyprus, developed by the DigiPols research lab of the School of Communication and Media at the Cyprus University of Technology, is available at choose4cyprus.eu.
Speaking to Politis 107.6 and 97.6 and the programme Second Look At Current Affairs with Yannis Seitanides, Associate Professor and Dean of the School, Vicky Triga, said the tool has already been used in previous elections.
A tool for 'rational voting'
Triga noted that the platform is particularly valuable in this election period, as substantive debate on policy positions has largely been absent.
“The campaign has not focused on policy issues, but more on whether candidates are new or experienced and on matters such as scandals and corruption,” she said.
“We avoided what lies at the heart of democracy, which is the debate of programmes, so that citizens can understand which solutions suit them.”
How the platform works
The tool is based on the concept of 'rational voting,' allowing users to compare their views with those of political parties.
“Citizens respond to 24 key political issues, ranging from the economy to everyday matters, and at the end they see which party aligns most closely with their views,” she said.
Party positions, she added, were recorded by the research team based on documented public statements, including statements by leaders, press releases and official positions.
Triga noted that only the Green Party responded directly to the questionnaire and submitted corrections to their positions.
Not a voting guide
She stressed that the platform does not tell users how to vote.
“We cannot advise anyone to vote according to the results of the platform,” she said.
“Voting depends on many factors, including ideology, family background, strategic choices or even protest voting.”
She added that some users may find that they do not align with any party, which is itself a meaningful outcome.
The “Fidias phenomenon”
Reference was also made to the so‑called “Fidias phenomenon,” observed in previous elections.
“Fidias was supported by voters from different groups, mainly younger people but not only,” she said.
“These were individuals who felt that the system, particularly the economic system, did not allow them to achieve what they wanted.”
Many, she added, felt forced to change their lives or leave urban centres, and believed the system “owed them.” Their choice, she concluded, “was clearly a protest vote and an attempt to send a message.”
