Surge in Voter Registration Ahead of Cyprus Elections
In a significant show of democratic engagement, over 25,000 individuals have taken the step to register as first-time voters in Cyprus, indicating a robust interest in the upcoming June elections. The Elections Service head, Menelaos Vasiliou, shared these figures with the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), highlighting the diverse makeup of the new electorate.
The breakdown of the new registrations shows a strong representation from both local and European Union citizens. Among the 25,914 new voters, 12,868 are Cypriots, with 103 Turkish Cypriots residing in the Republic also taking part. Additionally, 10,146 EU citizens living in Cyprus have registered for the local elections, while another 2,900 are set to cast their votes in the European elections.
With an eye toward inclusivity and accessibility, authorities have arranged for polling stations beyond Cyprus’s borders. Brussels will host a station for voters in Belgium, while seven stations will be available across Greece, including major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. In the United Kingdom, voters can head to one of five locations, with two in London and others in Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow.
The upcoming elections on June 9 promise to be a day of significant political activity with eight different elections scheduled concurrently. Citizens will have the opportunity to elect not only members of the European Parliament but also mayors, deputy mayors, municipal councillors, and other key local government positions. Furthermore, school boards and district governance roles will be on the ballot, ensuring that a wide range of public services and community leadership positions are shaped by voter choice.
Eligibility to vote extends to all citizens of the Republic of Cyprus as well as EU citizens residing in Cyprus who completed their registration by the April 2 deadline. This broad participation underscores Cyprus’s commitment to a democratic process that reflects its diverse population and the active role of EU citizens in local governance.
