Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: For the purposes of parliamentary elections, the Republic of Art. 3 Cyprus is divided into electoral districts, the
the area of which, in each case, corresponds to the areas and
administrative districts of Nicosia, Limassol, Ammochostos, Larnaca, Paphos and Kyrenia and
who will carry the same name as the provincial governors to whom they are assigned.
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979, Art. 3:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: Art. 3 For the purposes of parliamentary elections, the Republic of Cyprus is divided into electoral districts, the
the area of which, in each case, corresponds to the areas and
administrative districts of Nicosia, Limassol, Ammochostos, Larnaca, Paphos and Kyrenia and
who will carry the same name as the provincial governors to whom they are assigned.
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979, Art. 3:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Electoral Boundaries are the same as pre-existing administrative districts.
Source:
Verified: 2024/10/25
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: Article 39: The election of the President shall be direct, by universal and secret suffrage. The candidate who receives more than 50% of the validly cast votes shall be elected. If none of the candidates attains the required majority, a second-round shall take place between the two candidates who received the greater number of the votes.
Source: Constitution, Art. 36, 37, 39:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-constitution-1960/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
b . Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President of the Republic is both the Head of State and the Head of Government.
Source: Constitution, Αrt. 36, 37, 39:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-constitution-1960/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President is elected directly, by universal and secret vote, for a five year-term. Currently, the President of Cyprus is Nikos Anastasiadis, elected in 2013.
Source: Constitution, Art. 36-60:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-constitution-1960/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The House of Representatives shall exercise the legislative power.
Source: Constitution, Αrt. 61:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-constitution-1960/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: The below has been fact-checked but is different than what appears in the Constitution.. the law was changed in 1985.
OSCE: The 80 members of the House of Representatives are elected by proportional representation in multi-member constituencies through open lists to serve for a five-year term. 56 are elected by the Greek Cypriots and 24 by the Turkish Cypriots (which remain vacant).
Source: The Election of the Members of the House of Representatives (Amendment) Law of 1985 (Law 124/85)
Parliamentary Elections, 22 May 2016 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report p. 3
https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/cyprus/230496?download=true
Constitution, Αrt. 62:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-constitution-1960/ (2016);
Verified: 2024/10/25
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments: While general guidelines related to elections are stated in the Constitution of Cyprus, some of the laws and regulations specific to each election are: the Law on the Election of members of the Chamber of Representatives (Law 72/1979); the Municipalities Law of 1985 (Law 111/85), the Communities’ Law of 1999 (Law 86(I)/1999) and the Law of the Municipalities and the Community Councils of 2004 (Law 98(I)/2004), that regulate local and regional elections; the Election of the Members of the European Parliament Law of 2004 (Law 10(I)/2004); and, the Law on Referendums of 1989 (Law 206/89).
Source: Constitution:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-constitution-1960/ (2016).
--unsure if this is the most recent Constitution--below has amendments through 2013, though amendments have been made in 2016. A version is not publicly available.--
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Cyprus_2013?lang=en
Nicoletta Charalambidou, Access to Electoral Rights. Cyprus, European University Institute, Italy, 2013:
http://eudo-citizenship.eu/admin/?p=file&appl=countryProfiles&f=1325-Cyprus-FRACIT%20.pdf (2016);
Evaluation Report on Cyprus on Transparency of Party Funding (2011):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-evaluation-report-on-cyprus-on-transparency/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections d . Referendums e . Other
Comments: Elections to the European Parliament.
Source: Nicoletta Charalambidou, Access to Electoral Rights. Cyprus, European University Institute, Italy, 2013:
http://eudo-citizenship.eu/admin/?p=file&appl=countryProfiles&f=1325-Cyprus-FRACIT%20.pdf (2016);
Evaluation Report on Cyprus on Transparency of Party Funding (2011):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-evaluation-report-on-cyprus-on-transparency/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Previously, voting was compulsory according to Electoral law and Constitution. Seen quoted below. This law was abolished May 31, 2017. It had not been enforced for over twenty years. Voter turnout for Presidential elections in 2018 was 81% for 2013 Presidential elections and is estimated at 71% for this year.
(previous law): Voting is compulsory. Unjustified failure to vote is punishable with a fine or imprisonment. Before replacement of the domestic currency for the euro in 2008, the fine imposed by the court may not exceed 500 cypriot pounds (CYP).
Source: http://cyprus-mail.com/2017/05/31/government-abolishes-compulsory-voting/
http://www.electionguide.org/countries/id/57/
Constitution, Art. 31:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-constitution-1960/ (2016);
Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 7(2):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016);
Verified: 2024/10/25
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: OSCE: Complaints related to the general administration of the election and voter registration are filed with DROs. Election day complaints can be filed with and considered by presiding officers at polling stations, and most of them are usually submitted by candidate agents. Lower-level election administration decisions can be appealed to the GRO and then to the Supreme Court, which serves as an electoral court during the electoral period and takes decisions on the validity of elections and considers complaints on candidate registration.
The Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction to act as an electoral dispute body.
Source: Presidential Election, 28 January 2018 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report
https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/cyprus/363771?download=true
Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 57 (1):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016);
Official website of the Supreme Court:
http://www.supremecourt.gov.cy/judicial/sc.nsf/DMLScourt_gr/DMLScourt_gr?OpenDocument (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments: The Central Election Service, attached to the Ministry of Interior, is responsible of the electoral process.
Source: Official website of the Central Electoral Service:
http://moi.gov.cy (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments:
Source: Official website of the Central Electoral Service:
http://moi.gov.cy (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The Ministry of Finance.
Source: Constitution, Art. 168:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-constitution-1960/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
e . No information available
Comments:
Source: Official website of the Central Electoral Service:
http://moi.gov.cy (2016);
OSCE report. Parliamentary Elections 22 May 2011; http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/82242 (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
a . Governmental
Comments: The Central Election Service, attached to the Ministry of Interior, is responsible of the electoral process.
Source: Official website of the Central Electoral Service:
http://moi.gov.cy (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
b . 11 - 20 members (specify)
Comments: from OSCE: When election date is announced, the Minister of Interior appoints the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry as the General Returning Officer responsible for the administration of elections and supported by the Central Electoral Office of the MoI that functions on a permanent basis.
The District Officers of six administrative divisions of the country are appointed as District Returning Officers and are responsible for the organization of the elections at the district level. District Returning Officers appoint presiding officers and up to six assistants for each polling station
Source: Parliamentary Elections, 22 May 2016 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report p. 5
https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/cyprus/230496?download=true
Official website of the Central Electoral Service:
http://moi.gov.cy (2016);
IDEA International, Electoral Management Design (Republic of Cyprus):
http://www.idea.int/elections/emd/countryview.cfm?id=59 (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
d . Not Applicable
Comments: from OSCE: When election date is announced, the Minister of Interior appoints the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry as the General Returning Officer responsible for the administration of elections and supported by the Central Electoral Office of the MoI that functions on a permanent basis.
The District Officers of six administrative divisions of the country are appointed as District Returning Officers and are responsible for the organization of the elections at the district level. District Returning Officers appoint presiding officers and up to six assistants for each polling station
Source: Parliamentary Elections, 22 May 2016 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report p. 5
https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/cyprus/230496?download=true
Official website of the Central Electoral Service:
http://moi.gov.cy (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
c . Executive
Comments: See above--the Minister of the Interior Selects who shall oversee elections. Ministry of Interior is a Government entity.
Source: Official website of the Central Electoral Service:
http://moi.gov.cy (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body d . National Government i . Media
Comments: OSCE Report: "As in previous elections, the MoI intends to launch a comprehensive voter information campaign and develop a range of information for media outlets and political parties. Regular meetings with different stakeholders are planned throughout the pre-election period."
Source: Presidential Election, 28 January 2018 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report
https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/cyprus/363771?download=true
Official website of the Central Electoral Service:
http://moi.gov.cy (2016);
Official website of the Government:
http://www.cyprus.gov.cy/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments: OSCE Report: "As in previous elections, the MoI intends to launch a comprehensive voter information campaign and develop a range of information for media outlets and political parties. Regular meetings with different stakeholders are planned throughout the pre-election period."
Source: Presidential Election, 28 January 2018 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report
https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/cyprus/363771?download=true
Official website of the Central Electoral Service:
http://moi.gov.cy (2016);
Official website of the Government:
http://www.cyprus.gov.cy/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments:
Source: Official website of the Central Electoral Service:
http://moi.gov.cy (2016);
Official website of the Government:
http://www.cyprus.gov.cy/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: The Constitution was amended by Law 106(1)/96 to lower the voting age to 18. Thus, every citizen who has attained the age of 18 years shall have the right to be registered as an elector in either the Greek or the Turkish electoral list.
Source: Constitution, Art. 31, 63:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-constitution-1960/ (2016);
Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 5:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016);
Official website of the Central Electoral Service:
http://moi.gov.cy (2016);
Election Assessment Mission Final Report, Parliamentary Elections of May 22, OSCE/ODIHR - 2011:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-election-assessment-mission-final-report/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence
Comments: 6-month residence in Cyprus prior to the elections.
Source: Presidential Election, 28 January 2018 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report
https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/cyprus/363771?download=true
Constitution, Art. 31, 63:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-constitution-1960/ (2016);
Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 5:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
a . Central Government Department (specify)
Comments: The Ministry of Interior through the Central Electoral Service and the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
"Voter registration is maintained by the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the MoI."
Source: Official website of the Central Electoral Service:
http://moi.gov.cy (2016).
Presidential Election, 28 January 2018 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report
https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/cyprus/363771?download=true
Verified: 2024/10/25
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: --it appears that because the government maintains the voter rolls, it is compulsory to be on them, but it may no longer be compulsory to vote (Parliament must pass the Bill)--
OSCE REPORT: "Voter registration is maintained by the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the MoI. Every voter is issued a voting card, which can serve as an identification document on election day along with a number of other government issued documents. Voter lists are updated quarterly"
Source: Presidential Election, 28 January 2018 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report
https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/cyprus/363771?download=true
http://cyprus-mail.com/2017/05/31/government-abolishes-compulsory-voting/
Verified: 2024/10/25
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) b . Deposit requirement (specify amount)
Comments: Each political party shall submit an application for registration to the Commissioner of the Register of Political Parties (the Director General of the Ministry of Interior), accompanied by the enrollment payment of two thousand euros and a document signed by three hundred enfranchised Cypriot citizens.
Source: Political Parties Law, Art. 3 (1):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-the-political-parties-law-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship f . Registration j . Other
Comments: The qualifications to be candidate as Representative are: Cypriot citizenship; 25 years of age; that he/she has not been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty or moral turpitude; and, that he/she is not suffering from a mental disease incapacitating such person from acting as a Representative.
Source: Constitution, Art. 64:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-constitution-1960/ (2016);
Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 19 (2):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 40, 64:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-constitution-1960/ (2016).
Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 19:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: The law foresees that all political parties which are registered, whether represented in Parliament or not, are entitled to receive funding from the state. Parliamentary parties shall receive a contribution of 22% in equal shares, and the remaining part shall be distributed in proportion to the percentages they received at the last parliamentary elections. The non- parliamentary parties shall receive a contribution in proportion to the percentages they received either at the last parliamentary elections only if they received at least 1.5% of the votes cast in such elections. Moreover, the State provides free airtime to political parties and presidential election candidates during election campaigns:
Indirect public funding
26. Indirect public funding is provided to political parties during Parliamentary elections and to candidates in Presidential elections in the form of free air time at Cyprus Broadcasting (CYBC) according to specific rules contained in sections 3 – 5 of the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation Law (Cap. 300A). No other forms of indirect funding exist under the current law.
Source: The Political Parties Law 2012, Art. 4:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-the-political-parties-law-2012/ (2016);
Evaluation Report on Cyprus on Transparency of Party Funding 2011:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-evaluation-report-on-cyprus-on-transparency/ (2016). (26)
Verified: 2024/10/25
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
a . Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance b . Based on result of previous election c . Based on current legislative representation
Comments: Art. 4(3) The parliamentary parties shall receive regular funding, the amount of which shall be prescribed by the Council of Ministers and shall be included in the state budget: Provided that the regular funding received by parliamentary parties shall be allocated as follows: (i) A percentage of 22% of regular funding shall be distributed in equal shares; and (ii) the remaining part shall be distributed in proportion to the percentages they received at the last parliamentary elections.
Source: The Political Parties Law 2012, Art. 4:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-the-political-parties-law-2012/ (2016);
Evaluation Report on Cyprus on Transparency of Party Funding 2011:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-evaluation-report-on-cyprus-on-transparency/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Art. 5 (2c): A political party or affiliated organization may accept legitimate private monetary donations whether in kind, equipment, services, named or anonymous. Each named private donation from the same physical person or legal entity shall be permitted only up to the amount of €50 000 per year. Instead, each anonymous private donation shall be permitted up to the amount of €1 000 per year.
Source: The Political Parties Law 2012, Art. 5:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-the-political-parties-law-2012/ (2016);
Evaluation Report on Cyprus on Transparency of Party Funding 2011:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-evaluation-report-on-cyprus-on-transparency/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: The Chairperson of the Election immediately upon the completion of the voting, arranges for the election and counting of the votes on the spot in each polling place in the presence of the candidates or of the appointed written representatives of the parties
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 31:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
e . Court order
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 57(3):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: Art. 34D, para. 5-6 the television or radio broadcaster broadcasts political advertising under the same economic or other conditions for all candidates in the case of presidential elections and for all candidates in the case of parliamentary elections or European Parliament elections,
the broadcaster or broadcaster shall, as far as possible, ensure an equal percentage of political advertising time between candidates in the case of presidential elections and between candidates in the case of parliamentary elections or European Parliament elections, as appropriate, both within the family area and as well as when it is broadcast during the high-audience or high-audience period
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 Regulating Radio and Television Stations (Greek Version), Art. 34D, 45(1):
http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/1998_1_7/full.html (2016);
The Cyprus Radio – Television Authority:
http://www.moi.gov.cy/moi/pio/pio.nsf/0/C111B7FD1A982578C2256D710021C3E2?OpenDocument (2016);
Evaluation Report on Cyprus on Transparency of Party Funding 2011 para. 26:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-evaluation-report-on-cyprus-on-transparency/ (2016);
Presidential Election, 28 January 2018 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report :
https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/cyprus/363771?download=true
Verified: 2024/10/25
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 Regulating Radio and Television Stations (Greek Version), Art. 34D, 45(1):
http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/1998_1_7/full.html (2016);
Election Assessment Mission Final Report, Parliamentary Elections of May 22, OSCE/ODIHR - 2011:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-election-assessment-mission-final-report/ (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
d . 6-7 days
Comments: 46 .- (1) The broadcasting or broadcasting by the television or radio organizations of the results of any election-related polls shall be prohibited seven days prior to any election.
34 (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2), it is forbidden to broadcast political advertising fifty-five hours prior to the start of voting on the day of the presidential or parliamentary elections or European Parliament elections, as the case may be.
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 63A (1);
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016);
Law 7(I)/1998 Regulating Radio and Television Stations (Greek Version), Art. 46(1):
http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/1998_1_7/full.html (2016);
The Broadcasting and Broadcasting Laws of 1998 (7 (I) / 1998) Art. 34 (3)
http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/1998_1_7/full.html
Verified: 2024/10/25
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are no spending limits, but recently campaigns have to provide a detailed expenditure account to the Auditor General.
Source: The Broadcasting and Broadcasting Laws of 1998 (7 (I) / 1998)Art. 34
http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/1998_1_7/full.html
Law 7(I)/1998 Regulating Radio and Television Stations (Greek Version), Art. 46(1):
http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/1998_1_7/full.html (2016);
Presidential Election, 28 January 2018 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report p. 6
https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/cyprus/363771?download=true
Verified: 2024/10/25
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Constitution does not provide for any matters that have to be decided by a referendum and does not regulate the matter as such. However, the Law 206/1989 provides that referendums may be held on important matters of public interest, upon a decision of the House of Representatives based on a proposal submitted by the Council of Ministers.
Source: Law on Referendum 1989, Greek Version (Law 206/1989):
http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/1989_1_206/full.html (2016);
Law on the Practical Arrangements for the Conduct of the Referendum of the Greek Cypriot Community of 24th April 2004 (Law 74(I)/2004
Nicoletta Charalambidou, Access to Electoral Rights. Cyprus, European University Institute, Italy, 2013:
http://eudo-citizenship.eu/admin/?p=file&appl=countryProfiles&f=1325-Cyprus-FRACIT%20.pdf (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Cyprus 1960 (rev. 2013)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Cyprus_2013?lang=en
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/90/45
Verified: 2024/10/25
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Cyprus 1960 (rev. 2013)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Cyprus_2013?lang=en
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/90/45
Verified: 2024/10/25
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Cyprus 1960 (rev. 2013)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Cyprus_2013?lang=en
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/90/45
Verified: 2024/10/25
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Cyprus 1960 (rev. 2013)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Cyprus_2013?lang=en
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/90/45
Verified: 2024/10/25
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Cyprus 1960 (rev. 2013)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Cyprus_2013?lang=en
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/90/45
Verified: 2024/10/25
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2024/10/25
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: Proclamation and holding of votes may be requested in order to seek the opinion of the people in particularly important, public interest issues as specified in the following provisions of this Law.
Source: The Referenda Law of 1989 (206/1989) Art. 2
http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/1989_1_206/full.html
Verified: 2024/10/25
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Art. 7(3) (a) The communities' desire for inclusion is expressed in a referendum, the conduct of which is ordered by the Minister as soon as possible and in the manner set out in Article 10 of this Law.
Source: The Communities Law of 1999, Greek Version (Law 86(I)/1999), Art. 7:
http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/1999_1_86/full.html (2016);
The Municipalities and Community Councils of 2004, Greek Version (Law 98(I)/2004).
http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/2004_1_98/full.html (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections d . At specially designated polling stations
Comments: Se contempla la instalación de mesas de votación para los chipriotas que residan en el extranjero.
Cyprus Mail: Speaking at a news conference marking the official closing of the election campaign, Nicolaides said voters should be aware of the polling station they are listed to vote in
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 7(1), 27(2):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016);
http://cyprus-mail.com/2016/05/20/knowing-how-and-where-to-vote/
Official website of the Central Electoral Service:
http://moi.gov.cy (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
Comments: 27 (2) Para. 2 Provided that the Commissioner may, if he deems it necessary, on the basis of the existing circumstances,
to run polling stations abroad, in embassies of the Republic or elsewhere, on condition
that in any city abroad they express, in a statement they submit to it
supplementary electoral roll of the quarter preceding the date of the elections
elections, interest in exercising their electoral right there, at least thirty voters from each
which at the day of the elections will be abroad:
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 27(2) para. 2:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016);
Official website of the Central Electoral Service:
http://moi.gov.cy (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates c . Special polling stations
Comments: Art. 27 (2): Provided that the Commissioner may, if he deems it necessary, on the basis of the existing circumstances,
to run polling stations abroad, in embassies of the Republic or elsewhere, on condition
that in any city abroad they express, in a statement they submit to it
supplementary electoral roll of the quarter preceding the date of the elections
elections, interest in exercising their electoral right there, at least thirty voters from each
which at the day of the elections will be abroad:
"Regulating the right of citizens eligible to vote from abroad, in embassies and consulates, was met with a lot of resistance from political parties and state authorities and was only made possible with an amendment to the law on the Elections of the House of Representatives in 2002 which also applies mutatis mutandis to the presidential and European parliament elections. Though initially applicable only to students and workers temporarily living abroad, this law was subsequently extended to cover any person registered in the electoral registry and living abroad. This may also include expatriates who fulfil the legal requirements for voter registration. However, a decision to establish voting centres abroad is at the discretion of the Minister of Interior and may be only taken if certain requirements are fulfilled"
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 27(2):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016);
Access to Electoral Rights Report, RSCAS/EUDO-CIT-ER 2013/25 p. 4
http://eudo-citizenship.eu/admin/?p=file&appl=countryProfiles&f=1325-Cyprus-FRACIT%20.pdf
Official website of the Central Electoral Service:
http://moi.gov.cy (2016).
Verified: 2024/10/25
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: Art 29 (6): The electorate on receipt of the ballot paper proceeds to this part of the case secretly
items on the ballot paper and in their predefined ways
of the party or the co-operation of many co-operative parties or the inter- mediate
candidate or co-chairperson independent of his / her election.
A voter can indicate his choice of party and candidate or candidates on the ballot by printing the symbols of ‘+’, ‘X’, or ‘√’ in the large square box under the preferred party, or in the square next to the independent candidate of choice. Voters who wish to indicate preference to particular candidates under the umbrella of a party may also use one of the aforementioned symbols in the square next to the name of the candidate.
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 29 (5-11):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016).
http://cyprus-mail.com/2016/05/20/knowing-how-and-where-to-vote/
Verified: 2024/10/25
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