A new poll by Rai Consultants, presented by Alpha Cyprus, shows a close race between the two major parties ahead of the parliamentary elections, with the Democratic Rally (DISY) holding a marginal lead of 0.4 percentage points over AKEL.
According to voting intention, DISY records 14.6% and AKEL 14.2%, while ELAM remains in third place with 9.9%, despite a slight decline compared to February.
Smaller parties show notable movement, with Odysseas Michaelides’ “Alma” rising to 7.4% and Fidias Panayiotou’s “Direct Democracy Cyprus” reaching 6.8%. The Democratic Party (DIKO) falls to sixth place with 5.4%, while Volt records 2.6%. The Greens and DIPA stand at 1.5% each, EDEK at 1.4%, DEK at 0.5% and the Hunters’ Movement at 0.4%.
A key feature of the poll is the high share of undecided voters, reaching 25.1%.
When results are adjusted to valid votes, party standings shift accordingly, while party cohesion levels show ELAM leading with 67.1%, followed by AKEL with 64.3% and DISY with 52.2%. Lower cohesion is recorded for DIKO (41.3%), DIPA (33.1%), EDEK (27.7%) and the Greens (24.2%).
The data also reflects voter movement between parties. Alma appears to attract 15% of DIKO voters, while Direct Democracy draws 28% from AKEL.
In terms of voting criteria, 40% of respondents say their choice will depend primarily on the candidate rather than the party. Among the issues influencing voters, the economy ranks first at 32%, followed by the Cyprus problem at 24% and corruption at 13%.
Participation appears set to be high, with 79% stating they will definitely vote and a further 11% saying they are likely to do so. Compared to the 2021 parliamentary elections, 36% say they are satisfied with their previous choice and intend to repeat it, while 32% express dissatisfaction and plan to change their vote.
Trust in political parties remains low, with only 17% expressing satisfaction and 84% dissatisfaction. The poll also captures the public image of President Nikos Christodoulides, who appears to have improved his standing, largely due to the handling of the Middle East crisis. In March, 39% of respondents say they are satisfied with his performance, up from 23% in February, while 61% remain dissatisfied.
On domestic governance, 32% express satisfaction compared to 67% who are dissatisfied. In contrast, foreign policy receives more positive evaluations, with 56% satisfied and 42% dissatisfied.
Government handling of the broader crisis linked to developments in Iran and the Middle East is also viewed positively by 54% of respondents, while 42% express dissatisfaction.
Measures taken to enhance security, as well as the military presence of Greece and other European countries, appear to have strengthened the public’s sense of safety, with 56% expressing satisfaction and 43% the opposite view.
The response from Athens to Nicosia’s request for defence support, including the deployment of frigates and fighter jets, is viewed particularly positively, with 82% of respondents expressing approval. Similarly, 77% view positively the mobilisation of European countries in support of Cyprus, compared to 20% who hold a negative view.
Interest in political activity on social media remains high. Facebook dominates with 72%, while Direct Democracy leads in posting activity with 58%.
The poll was conducted between 10 and 19 March 2026 on a sample of 1,014 individuals aged 18 and over. Results were presented on Alpha News Cyprus