Polling stations on the Mediterranean island opened at 7 a.m. local time. The election is for a five-year term. Observers expect a close outcome between the two largest parties, the conservative Democratic Rally (DISY) and the communist Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL).
The election is also seen as a mood test for the government of Nikos Christodoulides, who has been in office since 2023. Christodoulides won as an independent candidate but is backed by DISY. Issues such as high inflation, Turkey’s policy on Cyprus, and stalled reunification talks have shaped the campaign.
Vote counting begins immediately after polling stations close at 6 p.m. local time. First projections are expected late in the evening.
Source: www.deutschlandfunk.de
