With just days remaining before the parliamentary elections on 24 May, political tensions are rising, as authorities confirm that 568,587 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots across the island.
According to the Chief Returning Officer, 1,217 polling stations will operate nationwide, with the largest number of voters recorded in Nicosia, followed by Limassol, Famagusta, Larnaca, Paphos and Kyrenia. The 'Where Do I Vote' service has been activated online, via SMS and telephone, while the publication of opinion polls will be prohibited from midnight on 16 May.
Parties step up campaign rhetoric
Political parties have intensified campaign activity in a bid to secure voter support.
DISY has focused on defence and culture, arguing that geopolitical instability and challenges to sovereign rights require stronger defence, strategic alliances and a firm European and Western orientation. It called on AKEL and newer political parties to clarify their positions on increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP and on the use of the EU SAFE programme. In parallel, DISY highlighted culture as a core social good, stressing the need for further institutional support for artists.
AKEL, meanwhile, has concentrated on economic pressures and governance issues. Party leader Stefanos Stefanou warned that high energy costs are placing heavy strain on businesses and domestic production, particularly amid instability linked to developments in the Persian Gulf. The party also renewed calls for transparency, demanding disclosure of information on companies donating to a fund linked to the President’s spouse, while seeking answers on the 'videogate' case and the reopening of the 'black van' investigation. AKEL rejected allegations linking its leader to the Vasiliko case, calling them unfounded.
DIKO urged restraint in political discourse, criticising personal attacks and warning against drawing the families of public officials into partisan disputes. The party also accused Alma leader Odysseas Michaelides of attempting to deflect criticism following a recent debate.
ELAM stated it would not facilitate AKEL’s return to power, claiming continued growth in its electoral support. In a separate statement, the party condemned vandalism of one of its campaign billboards in Strovolos.
DIPA leader Marios Karoyian expressed confidence that the party would secure parliamentary representation, speaking of a “hidden vote” not reflected in opinion polls.
The Ecologists Movement: Citizens’ Cooperation highlighted environmental concerns, criticising the handling of the recent foot‑and‑mouth disease outbreak and calling for scrutiny of development plans in the abandoned village of Trozena.
Finally, Alma: Citizens for Cyprus criticised both the Vasiliko project and AKEL leadership, claiming citizens view the party’s anti‑corruption stance as selective.
As election day approaches, the campaign climate continues to intensify, with political confrontation and policy debates taking centre stage.
Source: CNA
