A recent pre-election poll has unveiled a dynamic and potentially transformative political landscape in Cyprus, mere weeks before the nation's parliamentary elections scheduled for May 24th. The survey, meticulously conducted by Rai consultants and broadcast by Alpha television, indicates a notable consolidation of support for the nationalist party Elam. This development suggests Elam is narrowing the historical gap separating it from the established political titans, Disy and Akel. Furthermore, the findings highlight the burgeoning influence of newer political entities, alongside a surprising decline for a long-standing major player.
The poll, which canvassed the voting intentions of 1,031 Cypriot citizens, offers a crucial snapshot of public sentiment at a critical juncture. Traditionally, Cypriot political discourse has been dominated by the centre-right Disy and the left-wing Akel. However, this latest data reveals a significant uptick for Elam, which secured 10.3% of intended votes. This places Elam just 3.3 percentage points behind Akel's 13.6%, while Disy currently leads with 14.3%. The considerably tighter margin between the top three parties signals a potential recalibration of the established political order.
Beyond the leading contenders, the poll also underscores the growing appeal of parties recently formed by prominent figures. Alma, a party established by Odysseas Michaelides, has registered a respectable 6.6% support. Fidias Panayiotou's Direct Democracy movement is not far behind, polling at 6.3%. These figures suggest a segment of the electorate is actively seeking alternatives to the traditional political establishment, potentially drawn to the fresh platforms offered by these newer formations.
Conversely, the results present a less optimistic picture for Diko, a party that has historically occupied a significant position in Cypriot politics. Currently polling at 4.9%, its standing appears considerably lower than in many past elections. This raises questions about its ability to retain traditional influence in the upcoming parliamentary assembly, which comprises 56 seats. Other parties, including Volt (2.5%) and Dipa (1.0%), are also featured, though their support levels indicate they are currently below the threshold for significant parliamentary representation.
Crucially, the poll offers insight into voter behaviour beyond specific party preferences. A substantial 21.9% of respondents remain undecided, a figure that could prove decisive in the final weeks of the campaign. Furthermore, a notable 6.4% indicated an intention not to vote, while 2.4% are considering spoiling their ballot. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, suggesting a potential fragmentation of the political landscape and challenging the long-standing dominance of established parties.