Cyprus’s e-justice digital system remains in limbo, with final decisions expected in early September following pending crash test results, Deputy Minister of Innovation Nicodemos Damianou said on Wednesday.
The system, launched on January 15 and suspended a week later due to operational issues, has been under scrutiny for months. A stakeholder meeting is scheduled for next month to determine its future.
“We are finally at the decisive stage,” Damianou stated, adding that the project board will assess whether the contractor has adequately addressed the system’s issues.
Sources close to the matter indicate that preliminary tests revealed persistent problems, potentially leading to either contract termination or an extension for further improvements.
The Audit Office has criticised the Information Technology Services Department’s handling of the €5.8 million contract with IBM Italia S.p.A., signed in September 2020. In a letter dated January 24, it highlighted significant delays and questionable contract amendments.
The project, originally due for completion in 21 months, has now extended to 41 months. The Audit Office has called for consideration of contract termination, citing concerns over additional costs and timeline extensions.
Legal professionals had staged protests demanding swift implementation of the new system. Courts and lawyers have reverted to the previous i-justice system, which cost the public €250,000.
