Preparations for the 2026 parliamentary elections are underway as the number of registered political parties continues to rise. According to the Elections Registrar, there are currently 26 parties listed in the official register, with three additional applications still under examination or pending completion. Authorities also expect an increase in voter registrations in the months leading up to the election process.
Current number of registered parties and pending applications
Elections Registrar Menelaos Vasileiou stated that there are currently 26 registered political parties in the official registry, while three applications remain pending.
Speaking to Diaspora News and journalist Oriana Papantoniou, he said that the number of party combinations being discussed indicates that the ballot paper is likely to be printed on two sides, as previously anticipated. The exact number will be finalised on 6 May, which is the official deadline for submitting candidacies.
Regarding the pending applications, Mr Vasileiou explained that the most recent registration concerns the 26th party, the Agronomos Agricultural Labour Party, which was published last week in the Official Gazette of the Republic.
He further stated that:
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The application for “Direct Democracy” was initially rejected, with a request for a change of name and the addition of further wording. A revised name, “Direct Democracy Cyprus”, was submitted and approved. The process remains pending until the President submits the required application.
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The party “Sikou Pano” submitted its application on 14 January. After review, observations relating to its statute were communicated to the party President, and a response is awaited.
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The party “Laikos Agonas Eleftheria” has an application currently under examination.
Registration timeline and candidate submission deadline
Mr Vasileiou clarified that there is no time limit for the registration of political parties. However, the deadline for submitting candidacies for the 2026 parliamentary elections is set for 6 May.
This date will determine the final composition of the ballot paper and the confirmed participation of parties in the elections.
Size of the electoral roll and expected changes
According to the Elections Registrar, the current electoral body stands at approximately 561,000 voters, with an increase expected in the coming period.
He explained that, compared with the parliamentary elections of 2024, the number has decreased due to deaths and a limited number of new registrations so far. Traditionally, however, voter registrations increase during the final quarter before elections.
From 3 January until 2 April, citizens are able to register for the May elections. At present, approximately 1,300 applications have been submitted, with expectations that this number will rise.
Voting arrangements for citizens abroad
Regarding citizens who will be outside Cyprus on election day, Mr Vasileiou stated that a relevant declaration must be submitted by 2 April. The declaration may be filed electronically or through embassies.
Mr Vasileiou noted that the main procedural change concerns the ballot paper, which is expected to be the largest ever used due to the number of party combinations involved.