Cyprus’ parliamentary elections have delivered significant gains for far-right and emerging political movements, reshaping the island’s political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
With more than half a million voters electing 56 lawmakers on Sunday, the biggest winner was National Popular Front, which secured about 11 per cent of the vote, up from 6.8 per cent in 2021, becoming the third-largest party in parliament.
The result placed ELAM behind Democratic Rally on 27.2 per cent and Progressive Party of Working People on 23.8 per cent.
Parties backing President Nikos Christodoulides were among the election’s biggest losers. Centrist allies Democratic Party, Democratic Alignment and Movement for Social Democracy all suffered setbacks, with DIPA and EDEK failing to reach the 3.6 per cent threshold required for parliamentary representation.
Reacting to the outcome, Christodoulides said he respected the result and would work closely with the new parliament.
“Cooperation with the new House of Representatives will be substantial, honest and institutionally responsible. Our Government will continue to work to achieve convergences where there are common concerns, common priorities and common perceptions of the public interest,” he said.
New anti-corruption movement ALMA entered parliament for the first time with around 6 per cent of the vote, campaigning on accountability and political reform. The group has ruled out cooperation with ELAM.
Another breakthrough came for Direct Democracy, founded by social media influencer Phidias Panayiotou, which won 5.4 per cent of the vote and secured parliamentary representation.
Analysts said the results could complicate Christodoulides’ path to re-election. Political analyst Hubert Faustmann said: “If he doesn’t get the support of DISY, he necessarily needs ELAM support, formally or informally, for any chance of reelection.”
The election campaign was largely shaped by concerns over corruption, the cost of living and migration, with ELAM also advocating a tougher stance on negotiations with Turkish Cypriots and calling for the closure of crossing points along the island’s UN-controlled buffer zone.
Source: Ekathimerini.
