Cypriot voters went to the polls on Sunday for parliamentary elections marked by concerns about corruption and the cost of living, in a vote that could weaken traditional parties and strengthen anti-establishment movements.
More than half a million voters were called upon to elect 56 members of parliament from a record number of 753 candidates. The vote is being closely watched as it is considered a major political test for President Nikos Christodoulides ahead of the next presidential election scheduled for 2028.
According to the latest polls, centrist parties currently supporting the head of state risk suffering a significant setback. The Diko, Dipa, and EDEK parties, which support the government in Parliament, appear to be losing ground to new parties and protest movements.
The island's major historical parties, notably the conservative DISY party and the communist AKEL party, are also facing declining popularity. Voters are expressing growing weariness with corruption scandals and the persistent rise in the cost of living.
Observers also expect a rise in far-right parties and candidates presenting themselves as anti-corruption figures. These new political players seek to capitalize on distrust of traditional political elites.
Although Cyprus has a presidential system, Sunday's election is seen as a barometer of the popular support enjoyed by Nikos Christodoulides, who does not have his own political party and depends on parliamentary alliances to govern.
The polling stations closed in the afternoon and the final results were expected in the evening, in a tense political climate where the future of the Cypriot political balance could be profoundly reshaped.
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