Preparations have been completed for the submission of candidacies for the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for 24 May, with nominations to be filed on Wednesday, 6 May, according to Assistant Chief Returning Officer Menelaos Vasileiou.
Speaking to CNA, Vasileiou said there are no outstanding issues, adding that authorities are fully prepared for the process. Responding to questions about candidates currently under investigation, he noted that a letter submitted by leader of Democratic Party (DIKO) Nikolas Papadopoulos, is under review by the Legal Service and other competent state bodies.
Referring to a recent case involving a candidate from the Active Citizens – Movement of United Cypriot Hunters, Vasileiou outlined the constitutional provisions governing eligibility. Under Article 64 of the Constitution, any citizen of the Republic aged 21 or over may stand for election, provided they have not been convicted of a dishonourable or morally reprehensible offence, have not been deprived of the right to be elected by a court decision due to an electoral offence, and do not suffer from a mental condition rendering them incapable of performing parliamentary duties.
Nominations will be submitted to district returning officers between 9am and 12.30pm on 6 May. In the Nicosia District, submissions will take place at the ceremonial hall of the Archangelos Cultural Foundation of Kykkos Monastery. In Limassol District, Larnaca District, Paphos District and Famagusta District, nominations will be filed at the respective District Administration Offices, while for Kyrenia District they will be received at the multi-purpose hall of the Ministry of Finance.
Candidacies for representatives of religious groups in the House of Representatives of Cyprus will be submitted on the same day at the office of the Director General of the Ministry of Interior.
Vasileiou also reminded that each nomination must be submitted in writing and signed by four voters from the respective electoral district, two proposers and two supporters, and accompanied by a €500 deposit. Candidates must also sign a declaration confirming they meet the constitutional eligibility criteria.
(Source: CNA)
