CYPRUS: More than 533 thousand voters in February's presidential elections

More than 533 thousand voters are entitled to vote and more than 1,200 polling stations are expected to operate in the next Presidential elections in Cyprus and abroad, on February 17.

Preparations are underway at the Ministry of Interior to ensure that on election day everything runs smoothly.

Minister of Interior Eleni Mavrou chaired a meeting, on Tuesday, with political party representatives during which they reviewed the situation.

Mavrou said that about 533,565 voters have registered to vote and registration continues until January 2.

The ministry has sent letters to over 22 thousand people, who are becoming of age, in an effort to prompt young people to register, she said, adding that response so far has been quite encouraging.

During the meeting, she noted, political party representatives welcomed a ministry proposal to employ two unemployed graduates at each polling station on Election Day.

This is the first time polling stations will operate abroad for presidential elections.

Some 250 applications have already been submitted electronically within the first few days, she noted, adding that a minimum of 50 voters must apply for a polling station to operate abroad..

Presidential elections take place every five years in Cyprus. At present, there are five presidential candidates, right wing party (DISY) President Nicos Anastasiades, former Minister of Health Stavros Malas, former Foreign Minister Giorgos Lillikas, Makaria Andri Stylianou and Solon Gregoriou.

Incumbent Cyprus President Demetris Christofias has announced he would not seek reelection.