Cyprus is pushing ahead with preparations for the May 24 elections, with ballot printing and staffing of polling stations due to be completed next Wednesday, Chief Returning Officer Elikkos Ilia said.
Ilia also said voters will, for the first time in the history of elections, be able to use an identity card created on a mobile device through the Digital Citizen app.
He said the political parties that will enter parliament, and the number of seats each will hold, should be known two to three hours after polls close. The names of elected MPs are expected to be known by 2am on Monday.
Ilia said the Government Printing Office will complete ballot printing next Wednesday, May 13, so the ballots can be handed to the relevant returning officers for preparation.
“On Wednesday, according to the schedule, the ballots will be printed for Paphos, Larnaca, Kyrenia and the elections for the Maronite religious group,” he said, adding that the staffing of polling stations with presiding officers and their assistants is also being completed.
On the ballots, Ilia said he did not expect any problems from the use of a two-sided ballot paper for the first time. He said two-sided ballots will be used in all electoral districts, except Larnaca, where the ballot will be one-sided.
He also said voters cannot vote horizontally and that, if they do, their vote will be invalid.
Voters may simply choose their political party by marking “+”, “√” or “x” in the box below the names of the candidates of their chosen party, he said.
They may also, optionally, add up to five preference crosses in the Nicosia electoral district, three in Limassol and Famagusta, two in Larnaca and Paphos and one in Kyrenia.
If voters choose an independent candidate, Ilia said they must place their preference cross in the box to the right of the candidate’s name.
Ilia told CNA that voting will begin at 7am, pause for one hour at noon and resume at 1pm until 6pm.
Voters can cast their ballot by presenting their identity card or election booklet.
For the first time in an election, an identity card created on a mobile device through Digital Citizen will also be accepted.
“A verification mechanism has been developed for this purpose, which will operate at the polling station,” he said.
Ilia also said enclaved voters may additionally vote by presenting a passport, driving licence or another official document of the Republic bearing their photograph.
The “Where do I vote” app is being prepared and will be available on Monday or Tuesday, May 10 or 11, Ilia said.
By entering their ID number and date of birth, voters will be able to find out immediately which polling station they should attend.
On the timing of the results, Ilia estimated that two to three hours after polls close, it will be clear which political parties will enter parliament and how many MPs each will have.
He added that by around 1am to 2am on Monday, May 25, the names of the elected MPs should also be known.
Ilia also reminded voters that, on election day or the day before, no one may set up or keep tables or campaign offices outside polling stations, or put up posters and banners directly or indirectly related to the elections.
