Cyprus: Voters boost far right in parliamentary election

The far-right National People's Front (ELAM) made gains in parliamentary elections in Cyprus on Sunday, according to the Interior Ministry.

With 85% of the ballots counted, ELAM, an offshoot of Greece's banned Golden Dawn ​party, had won about 11% of the vote, up from 6.8% in the last legislative ​elections in 2021. 

If the results are confirmed, ELAM would become the third-largest party in the legislature.

The official results are expected to be released on Monday, state broadcaster RIK said.

How did the traditional parties perform in the Cyprus elections?

The conservative DISY won 27% of the vote, while the left-wing Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) placed second with 23.8%. The centrist Democratic Party won 10%.

In a blow to independent President Nikos Christodoulides, three centrist parties that have backed him in a minority coalition, the DIKO, DIPA and EDEK, suffered losses.

The election was seen as a key test of public sentiment ahead of a 2028 presidential race.

Since executive power in Cyprus lies with the president, the result is unlikely to alter power dynamics immediately. 

What was at stake in the Cyprus election?

Voters were called to choose 56 lawmakers from 17 parties. Turnout on Sunday stood at 66.6%.

The election was held amid a climate of public frustration over corruption scandals and the rising cost of living.

YouTuber in Cyprus takes direct democracy push to polls

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Traditional forces such as the DISY and AKEL were forecast to lose ground to new and smaller parties, including the far-right ELAM, centrist reform movement ALMA and the pan-European political party Volt.

Christodoulides depends on parliamentary backing to pass laws, and weaker results for his allies in parliament could hinder his ability to govern and push through legislation.

Edited by: Natalie Muller, Saim Inayatullah

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