Cypriot police investigate social media activity during 2026 legislative elections

Cypriot authorities have launched a formal investigation into 27 individuals and entities following allegations of illegal social media activity during the 2026 parliamentary elections. The probe focuses on more than 100 posts and advertisements published on the eve of the election and on polling day, periods during which election campaigning is strictly prohibited under local electoral law. Acting Chief Electoral Officer Menelaos Vasiliou confirmed that the Press and Information Office flagged 127 complaints, leading to a referral to the Attorney General’s office on September 1. Among those being summoned for questioning is Theano Kalavana, the president of Opek.

Police spokesman Vyron Vyronos stated that while Kalavana is among those being interrogated, the investigation is broad and not centered solely on any one individual. Officers are currently collecting testimonies to determine if the activity constitutes a breach of Article 63 of the Election of Members of the House of Representatives Law. Authorities emphasize that being under investigation does not imply guilt, and the final findings will be submitted to the Legal Service for further legal assessment once the questioning process is complete.