Nicosia: Preparations for the May 24 Parliamentary elections are continuing at an intensive pace, as the printing of ballot papers and the staffing of polling stations are due to be completed on Wednesday, Chief Returning Officer Elikkos Elia told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA). He also announced that, for the first time in the history of elections, an identity card generated on a mobile device (phone) through the Digital Citizen app will also be accepted.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Elia stated that two to three hours after the close of polling, it will be known which political parties will enter Parliament and with how many MPs, while by 2.00 a.m. on Monday, the names of the elected MPs will also be announced. The Government Printing Office is scheduled to complete the printing of the ballot papers on Wednesday, May 13, ensuring timely delivery to Returning Officers for preparation.
Elia assured that the staffing of polling stations with presiding officers and their assistants is nearing completion. He expressed confidence that there will be no issues arising from the first-ever use of double-sided ballot papers, except in Larnaca, where single-sided papers will be used. Voters are reminded that cross-party voting will invalidate their votes, and they should indicate their chosen political party with a '+', 'v', or 'x' in the box beneath the candidates' names.
He further explained the preferential voting system, which allows voters to place a certain number of preference crosses depending on the electoral district. Elia clarified that independent candidates require a preference cross in the box to the right of their name.
Voting will commence at 7.00 a.m. and will include a midday break before resuming until 6.00 p.m. Voters can present either their national identity card or their voter registration booklet to cast their votes. Notably, this election marks the debut of Digital Citizen identity cards, which can be generated via mobile devices and will be accepted at polling stations with a verification mechanism in place.
Elia highlighted the availability of the 'Where Do I Vote' application, which will be accessible on May 10 or 11, allowing voters to locate their polling stations by entering their identity card number and date of birth. He reiterated the timeframe for election results, emphasizing the prohibition of campaign activities near polling stations on or before election day.