Preparations and costs for the upcoming parliamentary elections

The parliamentary elections scheduled for May 24 will involve approximately 6,500 personnel, including 5,300 civilian staff and 1,200 police officers. Menelaos Vasiliou, Assistant Chief Electoral Officer, stated that 16,103 applications were received for polling station roles, comprising 9,196 public servants, 6,614 non-state employees, and 293 unemployed graduates. All registered unemployed graduates will be prioritized for these positions. Presiding officers will receive a gross payment of 617.78 euros, while assistants will receive 316.48 euros. Sources differ on the total election cost, with some estimates citing 6 million euros and others indicating 5.8 million euros after budget adjustments. Originally budgeted at 5.7 million euros, the amount was reduced by the Parliament before supplementary funding was requested to cover salary increases due to cost-of-living allowances. Staff are required to arrive by 06:00 and will be released after the count, no earlier than 22:00.