Full Breakdown
Cyprus 2026 Parliamentary Election: Far-Right Surge and Newcomer Breakthroughs
5/25/2026, 8:31:26 AM
Results
The Interior Ministry reported DISY 27.1 % (17 seats), AKEL 23.9 % (15), ELAM 10.9 % (8), DIKO 10 % (8), ALMA 5.8 % (4) and Direct Democracy 5.4 % (4). Turnout was about 66.9 % of 569,182 voters.
Context
The election tested President Nikos Christodoulides, whose coalition leans on DIKO, DIPA and EDEK. Campaigns centered on a cash-for-passports scandal, rising living costs, housing shortages, delayed energy projects, migration and the Cyprus dispute, making the outcome a barometer for the 2028 presidential race.
Parties
Christodoulides runs as an independent. DISY is represented by Finance Minister Makis Keravnos. ELAM, linked to Greece’s Golden Dawn, focuses on migration. ALMA is led by Odysseas Michaelides. Direct Democracy was founded by MEP Fidias Panayiotou. Volt Cyprus is co-chaired by Andromachi Sophocleous. AKEL remains the main left-wing party.
Impact
The 56-seat House is fragmented, forcing Christodoulides to look beyond his centrist allies. Analysts warn that without DISY’s backing he may turn to ELAM, a shift that could reshape policy on migration, the economy, the Cyprus dispute and the 2028 presidential race.
Statements
Christodoulides pledged “substantial, honest and institutionally responsible” cooperation with the new parliament, stressing common public interests. Keravnos called the fragmentation a pan-European phenomenon and urged rational governance for all Cypriots. ALMA ruled out any coalition with ELAM; Direct Democracy stressed its aim of direct citizen involvement via technology.
Opposition
Analyst Hubert Faustmann warned that “if he doesn’t get the support of DISY, he necessarily needs ELAM support…for any chance of re-election.” Harry Tzimitras of the Peace Research Institute Oslo said the result marks “the end of an era for parties that have been part of the political scene for 50 years,” and warned legislation will become harder to pass. Critics voiced unease over ELAM’s growing influence.
Conflicts
ELAM’s vote share is reported as 10.5-12.5 % in exit polls, 10.9 % in official results and about 11 % in some media. Turnout is cited as 61.2 % (RIK), 66.6 % (DW) and 66.9 % (official).
Quotes
- “It’s going to be a vote of protest towards established parties which will also, to an extent, be directed towards the government.” — Christoforos Christoforou, political analyst
- “If he doesn’t get the support of DISY, he necessarily needs ELAM support, formally or informally, for any chance of re-election.” — Hubert Faustmann, political analyst
- “This marks the end of an era for political parties that have been part of the political scene for 50 years.” — Harry Tzimitras, director, PRIO Cyprus Centre
- “We feel that the public is completely fed up with politics not bringing any improvement to their lives.” — Andromachi Sophocleous, co-chair, Volt Cyprus
Outlook
Coalition talks begin within days as Christodoulides weighs DISY or ELAM support. The parliament meets in early June, while parties prepare for the 2028 presidential race.
