Nicosia: A record number of nominations were submitted on May 6 for the 56 Greek Cypriot Representatives and 3 Religious Group Representatives seats in the House of Representatives for the upcoming five-year term, accompanied by numerous objections, while party coalition leaders expressed optimism about the results.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Chief Returning Officer, Elikkos Elia, reported that 753 candidacies and 19 coalitions were submitted for the 2026 Parliamentary Elections. "A total of 753 candidacies were submitted, approximately 100 more than in the previous parliamentary elections, of which 744 are for party-based coalitions and 9 are for independent candidates," he stated.
The 19 political parties that submitted nominations include the Agronomos-Agricultural Workers' Party, AKEL, Far-Left Resistance-Communism, ALMA-Citizens for Cyprus, Direct Democracy of Cyprus, Volt Cyprus, Democratic Change-DIMAL, Democratic Alignment-Cooperation of Democratic Forces-DIPA, Democratic National Movement-DEK, Democratic Party-DIKO, Democratic Rally-DISY, EDEK-Socialist Party, National Popular Front-ELAM, Active Citizens-Movement of United Cypriot Hunters, Ecologists' Movement-Citizens' Cooperation, Popular Struggle for Freedom, Patriotic Front 'Lacedemonians', "Sikou Pano", and the Green Party of Cyprus.
According to the Chief Returning Officer, 529 candidacies, or 70.3%, are men, and 224 candidacies, or 29.7%, are women. The Democratic Rally has proven that it is always there for the stability and prospects that Cyprus deserves, said party President Annita Demetriou. AKEL's General Secretary, Stefanos Stefanou, expressed his conviction that AKEL will achieve its goal of a stronger presence in the House of Representatives.
The Democratic Party (DIKO) officially submitted its list of candidates for the Nicosia district, with its President, Nicolas Papadopoulos, sending a message of responsibility and effectiveness to the public. ELAM President Christos Christou expressed the party's intention to play a stronger role in the House.
EDEK President Nikos Anastasiou emphasized the renewal and expansion of youth and women's participation, noting that 25% of EDEK candidates are women and 60% are young people under the age of 45. The DIPA candidate list is diverse and high-quality, stated party president Marios Garoyian, highlighting his decision not to run as a candidate himself to give young people space and opportunities.
The President of the Cyprus Greens - Citizens Cooperation, Stavros Papadouris, called on supporters to stand with political forces that have proven their commitment to sound ideologies and principles. Odysseas Michaelides, President of the Alma - Citizens for Cyprus movement, spoke about the vision of changing Cyprus with boldness and a plan.
Fidias Panayiotou, president of the Direct Democracy movement, stated the goal is to offer people a chance to join a peaceful revolution. Volt co-chair Panos Parras expressed optimism about the party's presence in the new parliament, while Andreas Themistocleous of the Democratic National Movement (DEK) emphasized voting based on political criteria.
Christos Clerides, President of Democratic Change (DIMAL), highlighted the Cyprus issue and the need for a proper solution. Nikolas Prodromou, President of Active Citizens - Movement of United Cypriot Hunters - Refugee Action, stated their candidates are prepared to fight for justice and truth.
Other parties such as the Agronomos - Agricultural Workers' Party, the Green Party, "Sikou Pano", and Far-Left Resistance-Communism also emphasized their respective goals and commitments.
The Patriotic Front 'Lacedemonians' is participating in the elections with five candidates in the Nicosia district, and independent candidacies were also submitted by several individuals.
Representatives of the Religious Groups submitted their candidacies for the upcoming Parliamentary Elections. For the Maronite group, Marios Mavrides and Petros Nakouzis submitted their candidacies, for the Latin group, Antonella Lydia Mantovani, and for the Armenian group, Vartkes Mahtesian. If no objections are raised within 24 hours, the two representatives without opponents will be officially declared.