Voting has begun in Cyprus to elect a new parliament, with more than half a million people eligible to vote.
The vote is unlikely to immediately change power dynamics, as executive authority remains with directly elected President Nicos Christodoulides. However, it is being seen as an important test of public sentiment ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
What is at stake in the Cyprus elections?
Polling stations opened on Sunday as voters elected 56 MPs, with results expected by the evening.
Seventeen parties are competing for the support of approximately 569,000 eligible voters.
Opinion polls suggest the vote could reshape the political landscape as public frustration over corruption scandals and the rising cost of living continues.
Three centrist parties – DIKO, DIPA and EDEK – currently support Christodoulides, but polls show weak support for at least two of them.
Traditional forces like conservative DISY and communist AKEL are also losing ground to new challengers.
New and smaller parties are expected to make gains, including the far-right ELAM, the centrist reform movement ALMA and the pan-European political party Volt.
Christodoulides, who leads the government, relies on parliamentary support to pass laws, and a weak result for his allies could complicate governance.
Edited by: Natalie Muller
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