Cyprus
Cyprus performs in the mid-range in the Rule of Law and Participation categories of the Global State of Democracy (GSoD) framework, and in the high-range with regard to Representation and Rights. It is among the world’s top 25 per cent of countries in most factors and is only among the bottom 25 per cent for Electoral Participation. Between 2019-2024, Cyprus declined in Social Group Equality, particularly measures of equality in respect for civil liberties, and Freedom of the Press, including harassment of journalists and media bias. Cyprus has a high-income economy with a dominant services sector, which was hard-hit by the financial crisis.
Cyprus’s current geopolitical divide stems from a 1974 coup d’état by islanders favoring union with Greece, which prompted military intervention by Türkiye. However, the growth of Turkish and Greek nationalisms—that have stymied the creation of a multi-ethnic ‘Cypriot’ identity—had originated during British colonial rule. The island country is de facto separated following Turkish Cypriots’ unilateral declaration of independence in 1983 and, today, the northern area is administered by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus—recognized only by Türkiye. The Cypriot government controls the southern, Greek-speaking part of the island in practice. GSoD data only covers conditions in the southern, state-controlled area. Northern Cyprus continues to use the Turkish Lira, which has sometimes led to friction. Following the failed referendum of the Annan plan in 2004, progress on resolution talks has been stagnant despite repeated attempts to revive them.
Press freedom remains under threat from proposed amendments that watchdogs fear could enable journalist surveillance. In parallel, political participation and activism have been challenged by the dispersal of anti-corruption protests, as well as a 2024 bomb attack on a key anti-racism organization. Recent attempts to boost citizen engagement have ranged from new citizen participation platforms to electoral reforms lowering the voting age in national elections and introducing automatic voter registration. Political debate in Cyprus remains organized around the county’s ongoing intercommunal dispute. The ‘Cyprus problem’ decisively absorbs much of domestic political competition, dividing parties over support for resolution efforts. Intra-group divisions are also noteworthy, between Turkish Cypriots and Turkish immigrants over identity formation and conflict resolution preferences, and between generations in the Greek community. While Turkish Cypriots are the largest minority group, there are also substantial Maronite, Armenian, Latin and Roma communities. Cyprus struggles with surging violence against migrants and refugees, and authorities have been criticized for failing to hold attackers to account, eroding the trust of migrant communities in law enforcement. A 2024 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights set an important precedent against migrant pushback practices, both at sea and at the buffer zone with Northern Cyprus.
Cyprus is high-performing in Gender Equality. In 2023, Cyprus criminalized any conversion practices aiming to change an individual’s gender identity and prohibited advertising of conversion practices. However, international observers and domestic civil society actors have pointed to weak legal protections for victims of domestic and gender-based violence. European courts have recently found gender discrimination in the authorities’ handling of rape cases.
As voter apathy has been growing alongside wider political disengagement, impacts can be expected in Electoral Participation. Recent electoral reforms aiming to simplify the voting process and encourage broader participation should be closely monitored. It will also be important to watch rising violence and hate crimes against migrants and refugees, as well as ongoing debates regarding citizenship rights and identity for impacts on Social Group Equality. Press freedom also warrants attention, particularly potential threats to critical reporting.
Last updated: July 2025
https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/
May 2026
Cyprus sees fragmented parliament after elections
On 24 May, Cyprus held parliamentary elections to elects its 56-seat House of Representatives. The Democratic Rally (DISY), which remained the largest party in Parliament, won 17 seats with 27.1 per cent of the vote, followed by the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) with 15 seats. The far-right National Popular Front (ELAM) recorded a significant surge, becoming the third-largest party in Parliament, with a total of 8 seats; the same number as the Democratic Party (DIKO). New political forces also entered the House of Representatives, namely the anti-corruption movement ALMA (4 seats) and the Direct Democracy movement (4 seats), while several previously represented parties failed to retain parliamentary representation. Turnout stood at 66.4 per cent, up from 63.9 per cent in the 2021 elections. A total of 11 women were elected to the House of Representatives, representing 19.6 per cent of all 56 seats, up from 8 seats in the previous legislature.
Sources: Government of Cyprus, Euronews, Reuters, IPU Parline, KNews
New record of women elected to Parliament
The parliamentary elections held on 24 May resulted in women receiving 19.6 per cent of parliamentary seats, up from 14.3 per cent in 2021, setting a record for women’s representation (11 out of 56 parliamentary seats), up from 8 in the previous legislature. This marks a significant improvement in women’s political participation in the country. However, women remain substantially underrepresented, with Cyprus continuing to lag behind the average for women’s representation in national parliaments in Europe, which stands at around one-third of seats (i.e., 31.7 per cent).
Sources: Cyprus Mail, IPU Parline (1), KNews, IPU Parline (2), IPU Parline (3)
July 2025
Parliament passes law tightening rules for public protests and assemblies
On 10 July, Parliament passed a new law tightening the rules on public protests and assemblies, including the introduction of notification procedures and expansion of police powers. Under the new law, organisers of gatherings with 20 or more participants are expected to notify authorities at least seven days in advance. The legislation also grants police expanded authority to modify protest routes or disperse assemblies they deem a threat to public order. Civil society groups, human rights organisations, and opposition parties have criticised the measure, arguing that it restricts the right to peaceful assembly. The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will launch a formal review to evaluate the law and issue a legal opinion.
Sources: Cyprus Mail, Philenews (1), Philenews (2)
May 2025
Parliament passes major electoral reform, lowering voting age to 17
On 29 May, Parliament unanimously approved a significant electoral reform package. A key component of the reform is the lowering of the national voting age from 18 to 17, following a constitutional amendment passed on 22 May. Additional measures include the introduction of automatic voter registration and the replacement of the electoral booklet system with more flexible identification options, such as national ID cards and drivers’ licenses. The reforms also include provisions to improve voting accessibility for people with disabilities. Overall, these changes aim to simplify the voting process and encourage broader participation, and will take effect in 2027, with first application planned for the 2028 presidential elections.
Sources: Cyprus Mail, Cyprus News Agency, Cyprus Business News
April 2025
Parliament approves women’s voluntary military service
On 3 April, Parliament passed a law allowing women to voluntarily enlist in the country’s military service for the first time. Previously, only males were required to complete 14 months of compulsory military service upon turning 18, while women were not permitted to enlist voluntarily and could serve only as salaried professionals or contracted personnel. The new legislation, approved with 32 votes in favour and 15 abstentions, now allows any citizen, regardless of gender, who meets specific physical fitness requirements to volunteer for military service. The requirement of the duration of the military service will be lower for women. The first group of women volunteers is expected to begin their service in October.
Sources: Associated Press, Cyprus Mail, eKathimerini
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