Overseas polls to open in 10 cities for Cyprus elections

The Ministry of the Interior has invited all registered voters in Cyprus, who wish to vote abroad for the parliamentary elections of May 22, 2011, to express their interest by the end of January, to facilitate preparations for the setting up of polling stations.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior, Lazaros Savvides, called on registered voters abroad to fill in a form stating their country and city of preference, and submit it to either at local offices in Cyprus or via email to [email protected] or online at www.elections.gov.cy and the Ministry site at www.moi.gov.cy .
Savvides said that previous polling stations in London, Athens and Salonica would be operating for the parliamentary elections, noting that, depending on the interest expressed, other polling stations may also be set up. Options include Salonica, Patra, Volos, Ioannina, Rethymno, Xanthi, Manchester, Brussels, Moscow, Sofia and Prague.
In order for a polling station to be set up, there must be at least 50 registered voters for each district.
The total number of registered voters was 516,297 as at October 2010 of whom 186,964 in Nicosia District, 27,576 in Kyrenia, 104,574 in Famagusta, 51,512 in Larnaca, 106,525 in Limassol and 39,146 in Paphos.
Savvides noted that on April 14, 2011, the House of Representatives is expected to dissolve, and after that dates will be set for submitting candidacies and appointing returning officers.