The Cyprus Interior Ministry`s electoral office has called on all persons aged 18 and over to apply by January 2 in order to be eligible to vote in February’s presidential elections.
New voters have until January 2 to register in the electoral roll. Voting is compulsory by law but so far nobody has been prosecuted for failing to turn up to vote.
Citizens wishing to enroll may apply at the local district offices, citizen service centres, the electoral office and the Ministry of the Interior’s website www.moi.gov.cy, an official press release says.
It is further noted that polling stations will also operate abroad and voters who wish to vote in another country need to apply by January 2 to do so. Applications may be submitted to all the above mentioned places as well as to Cyprus Embassies or Consulates abroad and the website www.evars.elections.moi.gov.cy.
Close to 545,000 Cypriots are expected to cast their vote on February 17 to elect the new President, for a five-year term. At present, there are four presidential candidates, centre right party (DISY) President Nicos Anastasiades, former Minister of Health Stavros Malas, former Foreign Minister Giorgos Lillikas and Makaria Andri Stylianou.
Incumbent Cyprus President Demetris Christofias has decided not to run for a second time.