More than 160,000 Cypriot citizens aged over 18 are currently not registered on the electoral roll, with non-registration particularly high among younger age groups, according to data presented on Friday by the Ministry of Interior.
Speaking after a meeting with representatives of political parties, the Ministry’s Director General, Elikkos Elias, said that according to the Population Registry System, a total of 160,094 eligible voters have not yet registered. Among citizens aged 18 to 25, the non-registration rate stands at 52.06%.
The briefing formed part of the Ministry’s preparations for the 2026 parliamentary elections, during which political parties were updated on the electoral timetable, legal framework and logistical arrangements.
Election timeline and key dates
According to the official schedule, the House of Representatives is expected to decide on its early dissolution on 23 April 2026. The following day, 24 April, the Interior Minister’s decree formally calling the elections will be published in the Official Gazette.
Election day has been set for Sunday, 24 May 2026. Candidate nominations will take place on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, while the final deadline for voter registration is 2 April 2026.
Official election results are expected to be announced on the evening of 24 May, following the completion of vote counting, with the formal proclamation of elected MPs scheduled for the following day.
Voter eligibility and registration rules
Mr Elias clarified that voting rights apply to all Cypriot citizens aged 18 and over who have resided in Cyprus for at least six months prior to the elections. Citizens turning 18 by election day are also eligible to register, provided their application is submitted between 3 January and 2 April 2026.
Turkish Cypriots holding Republic of Cyprus identity cards and residing in the free areas are likewise eligible to register and vote.
For citizens up to the age of 25, registration applications can be submitted electronically. On voting day, voters must present either a voter registration booklet or a Republic of Cyprus identity card.
Youth disengagement remains a concern
According to Interior Ministry data, among citizens aged 18 to 35, 54,994 out of 165,192 eligible voters, or 33.29%, remain unregistered. The highest levels of non-registration are observed among citizens born from 1995 onwards.
In the 18–31 age group, the non-registration rate reaches 39.32%, rising further to 52.06% among those aged 18–25.
The Ministry of Interior will, as in previous elections, send letters to all citizens turning 18 before election day, encouraging them to register. Two public information campaigns are also planned, one focusing on voter registration and a second aimed at encouraging electoral participation.
Overseas voting and electoral districts
A special electoral roll will be compiled for voters wishing to cast their ballot abroad. Declarations of intent to vote overseas can be submitted between 3 January and 2 April 2026, during the period of the supplementary electoral register.
The meeting also addressed the recent legislative change reallocating one parliamentary seat from Nicosia to Paphos, based on updated population data following the incorporation of the supplementary electoral register of 2 October 2025.
Ballot paper format and political party participation
Due to the high number of registered political parties, currently 25 and potentially rising to 28, the ballot paper for the 2026 elections may be printed on both sides if more than 15 electoral lists participate.
In that case, up to 24–28 columns could be included. According to the Interior Ministry, ballot secrecy would be ensured through folding, with no fixed front or back side.
Mr Elias noted that the final number of participating parties and candidates will only be confirmed on 6 May 2026, when nominations are officially submitted.
Transparency and political advertising rules
Particular emphasis was placed on the financial obligations of political parties and candidates, as well as compliance with the Political Parties Law. The Ministry stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, including the publication of campaign expenditure reports, which are audited by the Auditor General.
The meeting also covered the new EU regulation on transparency and targeting of political advertising, which entered into force on 10 October 2025. The regulation governs the preparation, publication and dissemination of political advertisements and aims to strengthen democratic safeguards.
To comply with the regulation, the Ministry of Interior has submitted draft legislation to Parliament designating the Cyprus Radio-Television Authority as the competent supervisory body, while also providing for effective and deterrent sanctions in cases of non-compliance.
Ongoing consultations ahead of elections
Friday’s meeting marked the first in a series of consultations that will continue until the parliamentary elections in May 2026.
The Interior Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the electoral process is conducted transparently, methodically and in line with democratic principles.
Source: CNA