File photo. [AP]
Cyprus votes on Sunday in parliamentary elections which could reshape the island’s political landscape, as frustration over corruption and the rising cost of living boosts support for political newcomers.
Although executive power in Cyprus rests with the presidency, a stronger showing for political outsiders could fragment the parliament and complicate efforts to support government initiatives.
Opinion polls suggest reformist movement ALMA and liberal Volt could enter parliament for the first time, while the far-right ELAM is also forecast to gain ground, potentially becoming the third largest in the 56-seat legislature – a shift that would end decades of dominance by the Communist AKEL and right-wing DISY parties. Such gains could erode support for at least two of the three parties that backed President Nikos Christodoulides’ election in 2023, providing the first nationwide test of public sentiment midway through his term. Public confidence has been rattled in recent years by a cash-for-passports scandal involving wealthy foreign investors, as well as delays to energy infrastructure projects that have left Cypriots with some of Europe’s highest electricity bills.
