Preparations for Cyprus’ parliamentary elections on 24 May are entering their final stage, with ballot printing and polling station staffing set to be completed by Wednesday, said Chief Returning Officer Elikkos Elia.
Speaking to CNA, Elia confirmed that, for the first time in the history of Cypriot elections, voters will be able to identify themselves using a digital identity card displayed on a mobile phone through the Digital Citizen application.
The Government Printing Office is scheduled to complete the printing of ballot papers on Wednesday, 13 May, after which they will be delivered to returning officers across the island. At the same time, the process of appointing presiding officers and assistants at polling stations is being finalised.
Addressing concerns over ballot design, Elia said there should be no issues arising from the introduction of double‑sided ballot papers, which will be used in all electoral districts except Larnaca, where single‑sided ballots will apply.
He reminded voters that cross‑party voting is not permitted and will render a ballot invalid. Voters may select their preferred political party by marking a “+”, “√” or “x” in the box beneath the candidates of their chosen party.
Optionally, voters may also indicate preferences by placing crosses next to individual candidates. The maximum number of preference crosses varies by district: up to five in Nicosia, three in Limassol and Famagusta, two in Larnaca and Paphos, and one in Kyrenia. For independent candidates, voters must place the preference cross in the box next to the candidate’s name.
Polling stations will open at 7am, close for a one‑hour break at midday, and reopen at 1pm until 6pm. Voters may cast their ballot by presenting a national identity card or a voter registration booklet.
Elia said that digital identification via the Digital Citizen platform will also be accepted, noting that “a verification mechanism has been developed, which will operate at the polling station”.
He added that enclaved voters will have additional options, including the use of a passport, driver’s licence or another official Republic of Cyprus document bearing a photograph.
To assist voters, the “Where Do I Vote” application will be made available on 10 or 11 May, allowing citizens to locate their polling station by entering their identity card number and date of birth.
Regarding the count, Elia said that two to three hours after polls close it will be clear which political parties have entered Parliament and how many seats they have secured. He added that the names of elected MPs are expected to be announced between 1am and 2am on Monday, 25 May.
Finally, he reminded the public that on election day and the day before, no campaign offices may operate and no posters or banners related to the elections may be displayed in or around polling stations.
Source: CNA
