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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
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . The legislature (national/subnational) e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 61
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979, Art. 3
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
m . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979, Art. 3
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
k . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Αrt. 61
Verified: 2012/04/26
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
c . Regional/provincial level
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979, Art. 32(3,4)
Verified: 2012/04/26
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 61
Verified: 2012/04/26
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: a) 70% of the seats (35 seats) are reserved for members of the Greek community, whereas 30% of the seats (15 seats) are reserved for members of the Turkish community.
Source: Constitution, Art. 62
Verified: 2012/04/26
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
c . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 61
Verified: 2012/04/26
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: b) Political parties: 1/56 of all valid votes in national level;
Coalitions between two parties: 10% of all valid votes in national level;
Coalitions of more than two political parties: 20% of all valid votes in national level
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979, Art. 33(2a)
Verified: 2012/04/26
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 61
Verified: 2012/04/26
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: b) The number of all valid votes divided by the number of seats in that constituency.
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979, Art. 32(3)
Verified: 2012/04/26
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 61
Verified: 2012/04/26
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length) c . On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
Comments: a) Every five years
c) On Sunday
Source: Constitution, Art. 65, 66
Verified: 2012/04/26
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 61
Verified: 2012/04/26
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments: a) 7:00-12:00 and 13:00-17:00
Source: Constitution, Art. 66;
Electoral Law 72 of 1979, Art. 27(6)
Verified: 2012/04/26
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 61
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments: Recently amended by law 209 of 2002
Source: Official web site of the Parliament: http://www.parliament.cy/parliamentgr/002_08_01.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
LF005
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
Answer:
b . National elections are held on the same day as regional and local elections
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 57 (1);
Official web page of the Supreme Court: http://www.supremecourt.gov.cy/judicial/sc.nsf/DMLScourt_gr/DMLScourt_gr?OpenDocument (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/26
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates c . Voters e . Other
Comments: e) The General State Attorney
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 57 (2)
Verified: 2012/04/26
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
c . Superior Court
Comments: c) The Supreme Court rules on the electoral dispute by an irrevocable decision.
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 57 (1);
Verified: 2012/04/26
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
e . Legislature
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 61
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: d) Ministry of Interior
Source: Official web site of the Central Electoral Service: http://moi.gov.cy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88&Itemid=128&lang=en (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: e) Appointed by the Minister of Interior
Source: Official web site of the Central Electoral Service: http://moi.gov.cy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88&Itemid=128&lang=en (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal Incarceration d . Mental disability h . Other
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 31, 63;
Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 6
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
a . National citizens register
Comments:
Source: Official web site of the Government: http://www.cyprus.gov.cy/portal/portal.nsf/All/32F14EEB6E8862AFC225700000309C7E?OpenDocument&a=1&z= (2012);
Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 8, 9;
Official web site of the Central Electoral Service: http://moi.gov.cy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=115%3A2011-02-13-06-56-34&catid=41&Itemid=128&lang=en (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/26
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
c . Periodically (or before each election)
Comments: c) Every 3 months
Source: Official web site of the Government: http://www.cyprus.gov.cy/portal/portal.nsf/All/32F14EEB6E8862AFC225700000309C7E?OpenDocument&a=1&z= (2012);
Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 8, 9;
Official web site of the Central Electoral Service: http://moi.gov.cy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=115%3A2011-02-13-06-56-34&catid=41&Itemid=128&lang=en (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/26
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
a . Links to national population records e . Appearance by voter at registration office
Comments:
Source: Official web site of the Government: http://www.cyprus.gov.cy/portal/portal.nsf/All/32F14EEB6E8862AFC225700000309C7E?OpenDocument&a=1&z= (2012);
Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 8, 9, 10;
Official web site of the Central Electoral Service: http://moi.gov.cy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=115%3A2011-02-13-06-56-34&catid=41&Itemid=128&lang=en (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 61
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship j . Other
Comments: j) The candidate must not suffer from a mental disability and he must not have been criminally convicted
Source: Constitution, Art. 40
Verified: 2012/04/26
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration c . Criminal record k . Mental health problems
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 19;
Constitution, Art. 64
Verified: 2012/04/26
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration c . Criminal record k . Mental health problems
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 40
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: a) In order to register for the legislative elections, a candidate must be proposed by at least 2 voters and supported by at least 2 voters
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 19(2)
Verified: 2012/04/26
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 61
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
b . Between elections
Comments:
Source: Law of 11 February 2011 regulating political parties;
OSCE Report: http://www.osce.org/el/odihr/elections/Cyprus/83083 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
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
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
a . General party administration b . Election campaign activities
Comments:
Source: Law of 11 February 2011 regulating political parties;
OSCE Report: http://www.osce.org/el/odihr/elections/Cyprus/83083 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
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
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
b . Between elections
Comments:
Source: Law of 11 February 2011 regulating political parties;
OSCE Report: http://www.osce.org/el/odihr/elections/Cyprus/83083 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of party contributions received b . Public disclosure of party expenditure c . Prohibition on party funding from foreign sources d . Ceilings on how much money a party can raise
Comments:
Source: Law of 11 February 2011 regulating political parties;
OSCE Report: http://www.osce.org/el/odihr/elections/Cyprus/83083 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
d . Other
Comments: d) The General Auditor
Source: Law of 11 February 2011 regulating political parties;
OSCE Report: http://www.osce.org/el/odihr/elections/Cyprus/83083 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
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
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
c . Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: c) Constituency
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 32
Verified: 2012/04/27
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported c . By fax
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended
Verified: 2012/04/27
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
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 57(3)
Verified: 2012/04/26
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
a . hours:
Comments:
Source: OSCE Report: http://www.osce.org/el/odihr/elections/Cyprus/83083 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
Media and Elections
ME002
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 16(1);
Official web site of the Broadcasting Authority of Cyprus: http://www.crta.org.cy/default.asp?id=255 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME003
Question: Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Official web site of the Broadcasting Authority of Cyprus: http://www.crta.org.cy/default.asp?id=255 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME020
Question: Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer:
b . Independent regulator
Comments: b) The Broadcasting Authority of Cyprus
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 12;
Official web site of the Broadcasting Authority of Cyprus: http://www.crta.org.cy/default.asp?id=255 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME021
Question: Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
Answer(s):
b . Private companies c . Non governmental organisations d . Foreigners f . State owned companies
Comments:
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 16(2)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME024
Question: What legal instruments are used to regulate media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Law
Comments:
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 34D
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME025
Question: Which of the following bodies or agencies has a responsibility in the regulation of media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Statutory regulator (e.g. broadcasting licensing body)
Comments: a) The Broadcasting Authority of Cyprus
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 34D(6)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME026
Question: What form does the responsibility, if any, of the EMB to regulate media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
b . Requiring balance in media news coverage of an election
Comments:
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 34D(6)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME027
Question: Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME028
Question: What form does the authority, if any, of the EMB to enforce remedies or sanctions against the media in case of breach of the rules on media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME031
Question: Have the media or journalists' organisations adopted a code of ethics specific to elections? Please send us a copy.
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME033
Question: Which body, if any, is responsible for regulating free or paid access of political parties or candidates to the media during election campaigns.
Answer:
b . Other (specify)
Comments: b) The Broadcasting Authority of Cyprus
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 34D(6)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME034
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 34D;
OSCE Report: http://www.osce.org/el/odihr/elections/Cyprus/83083 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME035
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 34D;
OSCE Report: http://www.osce.org/el/odihr/elections/Cyprus/83083 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
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
ME043
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 34D, 45(1);
OSCE Report: http://www.osce.org/el/odihr/elections/Cyprus/83083 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME044
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 34D, 45(1);
OSCE Report: http://www.osce.org/el/odihr/elections/Cyprus/83083 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME046
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
c . Based on result of previous election
Comments:
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 34D, 45(1);
OSCE Report: http://www.osce.org/el/odihr/elections/Cyprus/83083 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME051
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 34D, 45(1);
OSCE Report: http://www.osce.org/el/odihr/elections/Cyprus/83083 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME052
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 34D, 45(1);
OSCE Report: http://www.osce.org/el/odihr/elections/Cyprus/83083 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME054
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size and previous performance of candidate's party
Comments:
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 34D, 45(1);
OSCE Report: http://www.osce.org/el/odihr/elections/Cyprus/83083 (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
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
ME061
Question: Which of the following information in reporting the results of opinion polls are required to be disclosed by law?
Answer(s):
a . Person or agency that commissioned the opinion poll c . Characteristics of the sample d . Size of the sample f . Other
Comments: f) Sample of the questionnaire
Source: Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 46(2)
Verified: 2012/04/27
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
ME063
Question: Where, if at all, may exit polls be carried out?
Answer(s):
b . Outside the polling station
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended;
Ministry of Interior: http://moi.gov.cy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=223%3A2011-02-12-14-06-56&catid=41&Itemid=128&lang=en (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME064
Question: If exit polls are permitted, when can the results be disseminated via the media?
Answer(s):
b . After all polls close
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended;
Ministry of Interior: http://moi.gov.cy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=223%3A2011-02-12-14-06-56&catid=41&Itemid=128&lang=en (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME065
Question: When are the media, by law, allowed to report preliminary election results?
Answer:
b . After all polls close, before official results are available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended;
Law 7(I)/1998 regulating radio and television stations, Art. 34D, 45(1)
Verified: 2012/04/27
ME069
Question: Which of the following has the EMB produced or organised?
Answer(s):
b . Press releases
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/28
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
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/28
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/28
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/28
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/28
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/28
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/28
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Law 86(I)/1999 regulating the communities
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/28
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/28
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/28
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD031
Question: Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD032
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD033
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD034
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD035
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD036
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD037
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD040
Question: What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD041
Question: What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD042
Question: In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election? Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD046
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD047
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD048
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD049
Question: Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD050
Question: Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD051
Question: What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD052
Question: Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD053
Question: Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD054
Question: Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD055
Question: Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD056
Question: Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD057
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
Answer(s):
f . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD058
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD059
Question: Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD060
Question: At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD061
Question: What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD062
Question: When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD063
Question: Who decides the final ballot text?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD064
Question: Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD065
Question: Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD066
Question: What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD068
Question: If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD071
Question: Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD077
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD078
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD079
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD080
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD081
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD082
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD083
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD085
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD086
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD087
Question: Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD088
Question: Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD089
Question: Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD090
Question: Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD091
Question: Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD092
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD093
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD094
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD095
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD096
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD097
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD098
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD099
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
DD132
Year of introducing Direct Democracy
Question: What year were the first Direct Democracy mechanisms introduced to the legal framework?
Answer:
h . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
DD133
Question: What year was the first referendum/initiative held?
Answer:
h . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
Voting Operations
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
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
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
a . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/26
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended
Verified: 2012/04/26
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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