About 161,000 citizens over the age of 18 not registered on electoral roll

Elia was speaking to journalists after a meeting he had with representatives of political parties whom he briefed on preparations
A total of 160,094 Cypriot citizens over the age of 18 have not yet registered on the electoral roll. The percentage for the age group 18-25 years stands at 52.06%, according to figures from the Civil Registry System Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, Elikkos Elia said on Friday, in view of the parliamentary elections set to take place May 24, 2026.
Elia was speaking to journalists after a meeting he had with representatives of political parties whom he briefed on preparations.
The House of Representatives is set to take a decision for its dissolution on April 23, ahead of the elections and the next day a decree will be issued for the elections to be published in the Official Gazette of the Republic.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary told the press that the submission of candidacies is set for May 6, 2026 and the last day for registration on the electoral roll is April 2, 2026.
Elia recalled that all citizens of the Republic aged 18 and over who have had their usual residence in Cyprus for the last six months have the right to vote, while those who turn 18 by the date of the elections also have the right to register on the electoral roll, provided that the application for registration is submitted from January 3 to April 2, 2026. Same applies for Turkish Cypriot holders of a Republic of Cyprus ID with an address in the Republic.in the free areas.
He explained that for those up to 25 years of age, applications can also be submitted electronically.
Elia also referred to the legislative amendments about automatic registration in the permanent electoral roll, the reduction of the age limit for the right to vote to 17 years, as well as the adoption of the driving license as a means of identification will enter into force from July 1, 2027 and will be in effect for the 2028 presidential elections.
According to figures for unregistered voters Elia said that the biggest problem is found in people born from 1995 onwards, namely ages 18 to 31. A percentage of 39.32% has not registered. The percentage for age group 18-25 stands at 52.06%. He said that those who reach the age of 18 will be notified by a letter and campaigns will run in collaboration with the Press and Information Office.
Official results of the parliamentary elections are expected on the evening of May 24. The declaration ceremony for elected parliamentarians is planned for the following day.
Elia also told the press that a sample of the parliamentary election ballot was presented to the representatives of the political parties.
Due to the large number of registered political parties, which currently amount to 25 there are certain particularities in relation to previous elections. Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary said that in the event that there is interest in participating in the upcoming elections in addition to the 15 electoral combinations, the solution of printing on both sides of the ballot will be preferred and in this case, the ballot can include 24 to 28 columns. He said that vote remains secret because the ballot will be folded by the voter.
Replying to questions he said that the authorities will know the exact number of candidates on May 6, 2026, when nominations are tabled.
Elia also said that during the meeting with the parties the issue of financial obligations was raised, in an effort to improve the situation observed today, in a timely manner.
Source: CNA