The decree of the Minister of the Interior for the conduct of the parliamentary elections is expected to be published today or tomorrow, the Director General of the Ministry of the Interior, Elikkos Elia, told the Cyprus News Agency, noting that preparatory work has already begun ahead of the submission of candidacies on 6 May.
Speaking to CNA, Elia said that following the self‑dissolution of the House of Representatives on 23 April, the next step will be the issuance of the ministerial decree. He explained that before the decree can be published, the dissolution of parliament must be approved by the President of the Republic. Due to the ongoing informal meeting of EU heads of state or government, which began yesterday and continues today, the approval is expected later today or tomorrow.
“We are exactly one month away from the elections, which will take place on Sunday, 24 May,” Elia said, adding that preparations for the official submission of candidacies on 6 May are already under way.
Parties and candidates
Offering a first assessment, Elia said that around 18 political parties are expected to contest the elections, compared with 15 parties in the 2021 parliamentary elections. He also said that the number of candidates is likely to exceed the 651 who stood in 2021.
Interest has already been expressed by individuals wishing to run as independent candidates, he noted, recalling that seven independents contested the previous elections. The exact numbers, he said, will become clear on 6 May, which is the official day for submitting candidacies.
Submission points and minority representatives
Elia added that the locations for the official submission of candidacies have been determined. At his office, in his capacity as General Returning Officer, candidacies will be accepted for the three parliamentary seats representing religious minorities, namely the Maronites, Armenians and Latins.
“We are on the final stretch. Staff at the Ministry of the Interior and the district administrations are working systematically to ensure a smooth electoral period and the proper conduct of voting day,” he said.
Overseas voting and digital tools
Elia also confirmed that overseas polling stations will operate in Athens, Thessaloniki, London and Brussels. The digital application “Pou Psifizo” (“Where Do I Vote”) will again be activated, enabling voters to find their polling station by entering their identity card number and date of birth.
The application is expected to go live at least ten days before election day, between 10 and 15 May.
Source: CNA