Nicosia: With just days remaining before the parliamentary elections on May 24, political tensions in Cyprus are escalating. Officials have confirmed that 568,587 registered voters will be eligible to cast their ballots across the island.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a total of 1,217 polling stations will operate nationwide, covering all electoral districts. The largest share of voters is in Nicosia with 198,553, followed by Limassol (116,924), Famagusta (116,392), Larnaca (60,489), Paphos (47,384), and Kyrenia (28,845). Authorities have activated the ‘Where Do I Vote’ service, allowing citizens to locate their polling station through a website, SMS service, or a telephone hotline. Officials emphasized that the publication of opinion polls will be prohibited seven days before the election, meaning any new surveys must be released by midnight on May 16, 2026.
Political parties have ramped up their campaign activities, with the Democratic Rally (DISY) emphasizing defence and culture. The party has argued for increased defence spending amid geopolitical instability, wars, and hybrid threats. DISY has urged other parties to support raising defence expenditure to 3% of GDP and fully utilizing the European SAFE program. The party also highlighted the importance of cultural development, noting that while numerous projects have been implemented, further institutional support for artists is needed.
On the other hand, the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) has focused on economic pressures and governance issues. Party leader Stefanos Stefanou highlighted the strain high energy costs are placing on businesses and called for state and private sector coordination. AKEL has also demanded transparency regarding donations linked to the President’s spouse, raising concerns about accountability and possible cover-ups.
The Democratic Party (DIKO) has urged restraint in political discourse, criticizing personal attacks against its president, Nicholas Papadopoulos. DIKO emphasized the importance of keeping families out of partisan disputes and called for an apology from Alma leader Odysseas Michaelides for his previous comments.
Meanwhile, the National Popular Front (ELAM) reiterated its stance against facilitating AKEL’s return to power. ELAM claimed its growing support comes from tens of thousands of citizens and condemned the vandalism of its campaign billboard in Strovolos.
The Democratic Alignment (DIPA) expressed optimism about its electoral prospects, with its leader Marios Karoyian questioning the accuracy of opinion polls. Environmental concerns were highlighted by the Ecologists Movement – Citizens’ Cooperation, criticizing the handling of the recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and calling for a review of development plans in Trozena.
Finally, Alma – Citizens for Cyprus accused AKEL of fighting corruption only when it serves its interests, referring to the Vassilikos project and comments about AKEL’s Secretary General, Stefanos Stefanou.