MOI

Presidential Elections 2023 – Repeat election: Statement by the Chief Returning Officer, Dr Costas Constantinou, on the voter turnout until 5 p.m.

The repeat voting process continues and voter turnout at local polling stations runs smoothly.

In view of the fact that this is my last statement before the end of the voting process in about 45 minutes, I would first like to thank, as Chief Returning Officer, the voters who came to the polling stations and voted in an absolutely orderly manner and without problems, demonstrating maturity and a high level of political civility.

But I would also like to thank all the staff that worked for these elections under the directions of my Office.

Firstly, I would like to thank the Assistant Chief Returning Officer and my colleagues at the Ministry of Interior, the Returning Officers and their staff that have worked tirelessly for two consecutive Sundays to enable the voting to take place in an orderly manner, with procedures that ensure the fairness of the elections.

I would also like to thank the Cyprus Police for their valuable services, the Press and Information Office for hosting, here, the Press Centre, as well as for providing citizens with prompt information about this election process, the Government Printing Office for the timely printing of the ballot papers and the Information Technology Services Department for the development and support of the necessary computer systems.

I would like to thank the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General of the Republic and the Officers of the Law Office of the Republic for their continuous legal support, the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services, as well as all the other services that worked methodically, with zeal and dedication, contributing greatly to the successful conduct of the Presidential Elections.

Thank you all, for your professionalism and commitment in responding to this important task that has been entrusted to you, at this highest moment of the expression of democracy.

Some of us have worked for days -or even months- to be able to successfully complete this huge task, which has been entrusted to us by the state, the conduct of the Presidential Elections.

Finally, it would be an omission on my part not to extend my thanks to all the candidates for the Presidency of the Republic, to their staff, but also to their representatives, for the excellent level of cooperation they have shown throughout this period.

Until 5:00 p.m. 67,7% of registered voters voted, in relation with the 67,7% of the first round of the elections, therefore the turnout remains at the same level.

Compared to the second round of the 2018 Presidential Elections, it appears that the abstention -so far- has slightly increased by 0,1%.

In detail, the voter turnout and the corresponding percentages of previous elections, by electoral district, are as follows:

ELECTORAL DISTRICT
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS
2021
2023
2018
2nd ROUND
1st ROUND
2nd ROUND
LEFKOSIA
69,2%
69,7%
69%
55,1%
LEMESOS
64,8%
64,3%
64,9%
54,5%
AMMOCHOSTOS
67,9%
68,2%
71,5%
64,7%
LARNAKA
68,0%
66,3%
70,6%
57,1%
PAFOS
70,4%
71,3%
65%
64,1%
OVERSEAS
60,4%
66,6%
61,5%
54,4%
TOTAL
67,7%
67,7%
67,8%
56,7%

In a short time, that is, at 6 p.m., and -as we have said before- if there is no need to extend the voting hours, the polling stations will close.

I therefore call once again on voters who wish to exercise their right to vote, to go to polling stations on time, and in any case before 6:00 p.m.

I will soon be with you again for the announcement regarding the end of the voting.


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