The printing of ballots for the May 24 parliamentary elections is expected to begin on May 9 and will be completed on May 14, Chief Returning Officer Elikkos Elia told the Cyprus News Agency.
Authorities are speeding up the procedures as the elections are just a few weeks away. Elia told CNA that manning of the polling stations and training of staff, who amount to more than 16,000 persons, is underway. A service is expected to be activated before May 15 and voters will be able to get information about the polling stations where they will cast their vote.
A meeting already took place with the government printing office and various issues were discussed about the ballots printing to begin when candidacies are submitted.
Voting abroad
Elia told the Cyprus News Agency that the largest ballot is expected to be that of Nicosia, with dimensions estimated to be 67x23 centimeters, and will be printed on both sides. Replying to a question whether problems are expected as the hourly staff at the printing office recently went on a strike, the Chief Returning Officer said that necessary arrangements will be made.
A total of 1,200 polling stations in Cyprus and abroad are expected to operate for the elections and each one will be able to accommodate up to 600 voters.
He said that 13 polling stations will operate abroad namely five in Athens, three in Thessaloniki, two at the Cyprus Community Center in London and another two at the High Commission building in London, and one in Brussels.
A total of 16,103 persons expressed interest to man the stations of whom 9,196 are civil servants and 293 are unemployed graduates registered with the Department of Labor. Presiding employees at the stations will be paid €617.78 while the assistant officials with be paid €316.48.
Announcements for the elections results will be made at the Nicosia Municipal Theater because the Filoxenia Conference Centre is currently used for Cyprus EU Presidency councils and other activities.
CNA