The Elections Service of the Interior Ministry does not yet have a final picture of staffing needs for polling stations, as voter registration remains open until April 2. Once the process is completed, the allocation of new voters will follow. Authorities estimate that 1,185 polling stations will operate across Cyprus. These will be staffed by an equal number of presiding officers, 4,439 assistant clerks and 1,185 police officers.
Polling stations in Cyprus and abroad
In addition to polling stations in Cyprus, up to 10 polling stations are expected to operate abroad, provided there is sufficient interest from voters by the April 2 deadline for submitting declarations. These centres are expected to be staffed by 10 presiding officers and 38 assistant clerks. Based on current data, polling stations are likely to operate in Athens, Patras, Thessaloniki, London and Brussels.
In the 2021 parliamentary elections, four polling stations operated in Athens, two in Thessaloniki and four in London. At least 30 registered voters per electoral district must declare their intention to vote abroad in order for a polling station to be established.
Pay attracts strong interest
Since March 16, the Interior Ministry has been accepting applications to staff polling stations. According to information provided by the ministry, there has been strong interest from employees in the public and wider public sector, as well as from the private sector. The high level of interest is attributed to the remuneration offered, which is the highest to date.
Presiding officers will receive €617, while assistant clerks will receive €316. These amounts are before tax and correspond to a 14-hour working day, from 6am to 10pm. Based on this, hourly pay is estimated at approximately €37.5 for presiding officers and €20 for assistants.
According to the Interior Ministry, the increased remuneration compared to the 2024 local elections is due to three main factors:
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Salary increases in the public sector, including cost-of-living adjustments
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A revised formula for calculating overtime pay, returning to pre-crisis levels
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An additional hour added to the vote counting process due to a higher number of parties and candidates
It is also noted that a double-sided ballot paper will be used in these elections to accommodate all candidates.
Polling station staff can include public servants, unemployed graduates and employees from public-law organisations and the private sector. Priority will be given to unemployed graduates registered with the Labour Department of the Ministry of Labour.
Applications can be submitted until Monday, April 6, 2026, through the official elections website.
Election cost rises to €5.8 million
The Interior Ministry initially allocated €5.7 million in the 2026 state budget for the conduct of the parliamentary elections. Following a horizontal 5 per cent cut approved by the House of Representatives, the amount was reduced to €5.415 million.
However, the ministry has requested an additional €350,000 from the Finance Ministry, taking into account updated compensation levels set by the Department of Public Administration and Personnel. The total cost of the elections is therefore expected to reach approximately €5.8 million. This includes €237,500 for potential by-elections in local government, as several local officials are contesting parliamentary seats, and €236,500 for state funding to non-parliamentary parties that secure at least 3 per cent of the valid vote.
Voter numbers and registrations
As of January 2, 2026, when the electoral roll was last revised, 561,252 voters were registered. By March 27, an additional 5,492 applications had been submitted, including 1,379 online. The electoral register to be used in the parliamentary elections will be finalised on April 2, 2026.
Eligible voters include citizens who turn 18 by election day, provided they apply within the final three months before the vote. Turkish Cypriots holding a Republic of Cyprus ID and residing in the government-controlled areas are also eligible. Applicants over the age of 25 must submit their application in person at district administration offices, along with proof of residence in Cyprus for the previous six months.
Candidates and requirements
Under Article 64 of the Constitution, candidates for parliament must be at least 21 years old, have no conviction for dishonourable or morally reprehensible offences, and must not be disqualified due to an electoral offence or mental incapacity. Each nomination must be signed by four voters from the relevant electoral district. A €500 deposit is required upon submission, which is refundable under certain conditions, including withdrawal of candidacy or if the candidate secures at least one-third of the electoral quota.
Political parties and key dates
There are currently 28 registered political parties in Cyprus. To register a new party, applicants must submit the party name, leadership details, statutes and signatures from at least 300 eligible voters, along with a €2,000 registration fee.
Key dates ahead of the elections:
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April 2, 2026: Deadline for voter registration and declarations for overseas voting
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April 23, 2026: Decision on dissolution of parliament
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April 24, 2026: Issuance of election decree and appointment of election officials
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May 6, 2026: Submission of candidacies
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May 24, 2026: Parliamentary elections
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May 25, 2026: Announcement of elected MPs