2011 Cypriot legislative election
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56 of 59 seats to the House of Representatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Parliamentary elections were held in
Background
The election follows a
Conversely, in
The Interior Ministry estimated a total
Cypriot conflict
The election was important as an adverse result against conflict resolution talks could also affect Turkey's accession to the European Union. Though this election would not directly affect the 2013 Cypriot presidential election, it could set a precedent for coalition alliances.[4]
Current negotiations between the two parties concern the establishment of a federation of two states with a loose central government, though implementing the proposal has run into obstacles and northern part of Cyprus have not abandoned a wish for independence. Such hindrances to unification include territorial swaps and property rights of thousands of
Parties
Incumbent President
Other parties include: the
Campaign
DIKO has criticised Christofias' offer for a rotating presidency with Turkish Cypriots as part of deal to settle the Cypriot conflict.
The incumbent government was also criticised for its "slow response" to the financial crisis, in which Cyprus experienced its first recession in more than three decades.[4]
Opinion polls
The opposition centre-right Democratic Rally showed a slight lead of the AKEL Party.[4] Though it was still forecast to fall short of a majority in the 59-seat parliament.[2]
Results
Democratic Rally finished with 34.27 percent and AKEL followed with 32.67 percent.[5]
The high abstention rate of 21% was also noted considering that voting is compulsory.[6]
Movement for Social Democracy 36,113 | 8.93 | 5 | 0 | | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
European Party | 15,711 | 3.88 | 2 | −1 | |||||
Ecological and Environmental Movement | 8,960 | 2.21 | 1 | 0 | |||||
ELAM | 4,354 | 1.08 | 0 | New | |||||
LASOK | 2,667 | 0.66 | 0 | 0 | |||||
Balance – Independent Citizens Movement | 859 | 0.21 | 0 | New | |||||
Cypriot Progressive Cooperation | 709 | 0.18 | 0 | New | |||||
Independents | 588 | 0.15 | 0 | 0 | |||||
Total | 404,577 | 100.00 | 56 | 0 | |||||
Valid votes | 404,577 | 96.73 | |||||||
Invalid/blank votes | 13,670 | 3.27 | |||||||
Total votes | 418,247 | 100.00 | |||||||
Registered voters/turnout | 531,463 | 78.70 | |||||||
Source: MOI |
Reactions
An
[A grand coalition] would produce the best chance ever for a Cyprus settlement. – Hurriyet
Aftermath
A coalition government was formed in 2008 between the incumbent AKEL and DIKO parties. However, on 3 August 2011 DIKO withdrew from the coalition citing its differences over resolution of the Cypriot conflict and consequently leaving AKEL with a minority government. Following a meeting with President Dimitris Christofias, party leader Marios Garoyian said that "despite our continued efforts and repeated appeals, unfortunately, the wished-for understanding between political forces which is so needed in these crucial moments for our country couldn't (sic) be achieved." Part of Garoyian's demands, following his criticism of Christofias, was that the president withdraw proposals for a rotating presidency of a potential unified Cyprus. Government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou said that though Christofias regrets DIKO's withdrawal from the government he would go ahead with a cabinet reshuffle: "The aim is for the new government is to confront the challenges our country faces with dynamism and determination." He also added that the government would not withdraw proposals during an "intensified period of negotiations" following UN Secretary-Genera; Ban Ki-moon's urging to resolve all core issues by October, including resolving the matter of private property losses from the war.
References
- ^ "Hardliner wins Turkish Cypriot leadership election". Associated Press. 18 April 2010. Retrieved 24 May 2011 – via The Guardian.
- ^ a b c d e Christine Pirovolakis (19 May 2011). "Cyprus to elect new parliament on Sunday". Archived from the original on 30 August 2011. Retrieved 24 May 2001.
- ^ "Cyprus prepares voters abroad for 2011 parliamentary elections | Phantis". Archived from the original on 25 May 2011. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
- ^ a b c d "Greek Cypriots to vote in general elections". Hurriyet. 20 May 2011. Retrieved 24 May 2011.
- ^ "Right-wing opposition wins Cyprus election". Aljazeera. 22 May 2011. Retrieved 24 May 2001.
- ^ "Opposition DISY wins parliamentary elections in Cyprus". Famagusta Gazette, CNA, Xinhua. SETimes.com. 23 May 2001. Retrieved 24 May 2011.
- ^ Kanli, Yusuf (23 May 2011). "Opposition, ruling parties make gains in Greek Cypriot poll". Hürriyet Daily News. Archived from the original on 1 June 2011.
External links
- Election results
- Election triumph for opposition DISY
- NSD: European Election Database – Cyprus publishes regional level election data; allows for comparisons of election results, 1990–2011