Voting procedures and regulations for the 2026 parliamentary elections

The 2026 parliamentary elections will be held on May 24, with voting hours in Cyprus and Greece set from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including a break between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. In the United Kingdom, polling stations will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a break from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., while in Belgium, voting runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a break between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. The Chief Returning Officer has emphasized that strict measures are in place to ensure ballot secrecy and prevent voter intimidation. From midnight on May 22 until the close of polls on May 24, all election-related advertising, public gatherings, and the publication of opinion polls are prohibited by law. Violations of these regulations are considered criminal offenses punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 5,000 euros. Exit polls are permitted only if results are withheld until all polling stations have officially closed. Furthermore, the use of mobile phones inside polling stations is strictly prohibited to maintain the integrity of the voting process.