Argyri Achillea, the oldest registered voter in the Paphos electoral district, cast her ballot at 11:30 on Sunday in her home village of Tala. Assisted by her granddaughter, Sofia, the 105-year-old continuous voter maintained her lifelong commitment to participating in every democratic exercise in Cyprus.
Achillea, a prominent figure in her local community, reiterated her wish to remain active for future elections, including the next presidential contest. Offering a simple message for the country, she expressed her hopes for global peace and mutual affection.
A century of dedication to the rural community
Born and raised in the Cypriot countryside, Achillea raised eight children—five sons and three daughters—and has seen her family grow to include 23 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 23 great-great-grandchildren. Her late husband, Sophocles Achilleos, who originated from Amargeti, operated a local bus service connecting Tala and Emba before passing away more than 27 years ago.
Throughout her life, Achillea engaged in demanding agricultural work, including harvesting crops in the Mesaoria plain, gathering carobs, and working on road construction to support her family. She also managed a traditional coffee shop in Tala, which served as a central meeting point for the village community for many decades.
Family ties and cultural legacy
Family members gathered alongside Achillea ahead of her journey to the polling station. Her third son, Dinos Sophocleous, recalled her relentless work ethic and resilience during difficult economic periods for the island, whilst her youngest son, Alexandros Achilleos, who provides her daily care, noted the values of family solidarity and faith she instilled in her descendants.
Her granddaughter, Sofia Georgiou, who escorted her to the ballot box, highlighted her grandmother's role in preserving traditional Cypriot culinary practices, noting that she passed down generational knowledge of making regional specialities such as flaounes and sausages.
Achillea also shared personal recollections of her family history, noting her maternal connection to the father of the internationally renowned singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, who later adopted the name Yusuf Islam. By casting her vote once again in Tala, the centenarian continues to serve as an enduring example of civic endurance and dedication to the community.
