Parliamentary election campaign concludes in Cyprus

The parliamentary election campaign in Cyprus officially ended at midnight on Friday, May 22. A total of 752 candidates, including 743 running under party lists and 9 independents, are competing for 56 seats in the House of Representatives. Approximately 570,000 eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots at 1,217 domestic polling stations and 13 locations abroad, including Athens, Thessaloniki, London, and Brussels. Polls will open on Sunday at 07:00 and close at 18:00, with a one-hour break from 12:00 to 13:00. General Returning Officer Elikkos Ilias noted that initial results are expected 30 minutes after polls close, with final seat distributions likely clear by 21:30 and specific candidates identified after 01:30. Stricter electoral laws are now in effect, prohibiting political advertisements, public declarations, and new campaign content until the conclusion of voting. Violations of these regulations are subject to a prison sentence of up to one year, a fine of up to 5,000 euros, or both. Major parties, including DISY, utilized the final hours to emphasize themes of national security and economic stability.