Elam Edges Ahead of Diko with 11% in Latest Polls

Shifting Political Sands Ahead of Cyprus Elections

In the lead-up to the European Parliament and local authority elections in Cyprus, the political landscape is showing signs of significant shifts. With the elections set for June 9, the latest polls and political analyses suggest a competitive edge for Elam amidst a fragmented political scene.

The recent poll by Simerini indicates that the traditional powerhouses, Disy and Akel, are locked in a tight race, each with 20.5 percent of the vote. Elam, on the other hand, has edged ahead of Diko with 11 percent. Political analyst Christophoros Christophorou notes that Elam is benefiting from the current climate, with Disy experiencing unprecedented fragmentation following internal disputes and the departure of high-profile members like Marios Pelakanos.

Disy’s recent history has been tumultuous, especially after the presidential elections which saw Nikos Christodoulides, a former member of Disy, elected as President with support from various parties, including a faction within Disy itself. This internal strife has led to concerns about party unity and voter loyalty.

Akel is not without its challenges either. Christophorou points out that Akel is still grappling with the fallout from past controversies and has struggled to regain the trust of voters, particularly those affected by job losses during the financial crisis.

Elam’s steady rise is attributed to its strategic approach and community support initiatives during tough economic times. The party’s stance on migration has also resonated with voters, allowing it to claim foresight on issues that other parties are only now addressing.

Stavros Tombazos, an associate professor at the University of Cyprus, remarks on the broader European trend of growing far-right influence, noting that Cyprus is experiencing similar dynamics with far-right parties targeting vulnerable communities.

Meanwhile, smaller parties like the Greens and the recently established Volt are navigating their own paths. The Greens, with a different stance on the Cyprus problem compared to their EU counterparts, and Volt, entering the political arena with high-profile candidates, both hold 2 percent of voter interest according to polls.

With 18 percent of voters still undecided, Christophorou emphasizes the potential impact this group could have on election outcomes. As Cyprus prepares for its upcoming elections, the only certainty is that change is on the horizon, with political allegiances and voter sentiments in a state of flux.