Nicosia: Preparations for Cyprus' parliamentary elections entered their final phase on Monday, with ballot papers expected to be delivered on Tuesday and electoral authorities declaring themselves ready for voting day, less than a week before citizens head to the polls. Speaking to CNA, Chief Returning Officer Elikkos Elia said the final operational steps are now underway ahead of Sunday's elections. Elia added that the training of polling station presiding officers and assistants is also nearing completion. He also noted that the campaign period officially ends on Friday night, as electoral legislation prohibits specific activities directly or indirectly related to the elections on the eve of voting and on election day itself.
According to Cyprus News Agency, enclaved voters will be able to exercise their voting rights at two polling stations in Nicosia and Acheritou, Presidential Commissioner Marios Hartsiotis said on Monday.
DISY President Annita Demetriou stated that the stability of Cyprus now lies in the hands of voters, urging the electorate ahead of Sunday's parliamentary elections not to allow the country to 'sink into division and destructive populism,' and calling on citizens to support her party. According to a DISY statement, Demetriou argued that what stands opposite division is the party's 'calm thinking and responsible stance,' stressing that recent days have featured 'staged spectacle and little substance,' with a lack of sober discussion and meaningful dialogue about the future during a period of heightened uncertainty.
AKEL Secretary General Stephanos Stephanou mentioned that the party was entering the final phase of the campaign focused on supporting society and addressing social inequalities. In a written statement, Stephanou said the central political question of the election was whether voters stand 'with society or with the few and privileged.' Former presidential candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis also announced his support for AKEL-Left-Social Alliance in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
ELAM, referring to incidents of vandalism against party and candidate billboards, claimed political opponents had been 'overtaken by panic' as the party's message was reaching an increasing number of people. The party said that 'the stream is becoming a river' and would 'flood Cyprus' on May 24, while calling on authorities to investigate the incidents and hold those responsible accountable.
Democratic Alignment (DIPA) President Marios Garoyian expressed confidence that the party had gained the trust of citizens, saying society recognizes its seriousness, consistency, and political ethos. Speaking on Alpha Cyprus' midday programme, Garoyian also called for consultation and a common approach on the Cyprus issue.
Movement of Ecologists-Citizens' Cooperation President Stavros Papadouris expressed firm confidence that the party would secure representation in the new parliament. Speaking at a press conference in Nicosia, where he and MP Charalambos Theopemptou presented the party's parliamentary work over the past five years, Papadouris said repeating the previous result of electing three MPs would be a positive outcome.
Political movement Alma indicated that its final pre-election rally sent a clear message that society is demanding a new political course, away from the traditional political establishment and practices that have undermined public trust. During the event, Odysseas Michaelides called on citizens to turn their voices into 'a force for change' at the ballot box.
Finally, the 'Sikou Pano' party condemned what it described as an attack against Savvas Zannoupas, its parliamentary candidate in Paphos, allegedly taking place inside and outside Larnaca District Court. The police said no complaint had been filed regarding the incident.