Voters in Cyprus head to the polls Sunday for what is shaping up to be one of the country's most significant parliamentary elections in decades.
Although the parliament holds limited powers within the presidential system of the Republic of Cyprus, the outcome of the election is expected to shake up the country's political landscape.
Citing recent opinion polls, journalist and political analyst Sotiris Paroutis says that Cyprus is heading toward "a profound transformation of its political scene," characterized by the weakening of the country's two dominant parties and by the collapse of traditional centrist forces. Meanwhile, new political forces are gaining support.
Traditional rivals compete for first place
Polls suggest that the race for first place will once again be decided between Cyprus's two traditional political heavyweights: the conservative Democratic Rally (DISY) and the left-wing Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL).Polls suggest that although Cyprus's two traditional political heavyweights will lead the field with approx. 20% each, traditional centrist parties are in decline Image: Yiannis Kourtoglou/REUTERS
