Cyprus parliamentary elections 2026 see record number of candidates

On Wednesday, a record 753 candidates officially submitted their nominations for the parliamentary elections in Cyprus, scheduled for May 24, 2026. According to the Chief Returning Officer, Elikkos Elias, this figure includes 744 candidates from 19 registered political party lists and 9 independent individuals. This represents an increase of approximately 100 candidates compared to the 2021 elections, which previously held the record. Gender distribution among the candidates is 70.3% male (529) and 29.7% female (224). Additionally, nominations were filed for the representatives of the Maronite, Armenian, and Latin religious groups. Two candidates are running for the Maronite community, one for the Armenian community, and one for the Latin community. A 24-hour objection period is currently in effect, after which the final list will be confirmed. Political parties are now entering the final phase of their pre-election campaigns with clear goals to secure representation in the parliament.