Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 03-02-16

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Polls open in Cyprus to elect new president

[02] Ten thousand people assigned to work during elections

[03] Enclaved begin voting in Presidential elections

[04] Papadopoulos promises ''a better Cyprus'', sends message to T/Cy

[05] DISY leader says elections most critical for Cyprus

[06] Cypriots are turning a page in political history, says Markides

[07] Official prediction of election outcome after 2100, says Minister

[08] President Clerides casts vote in presidential elections

[09] Polling stations close for an hour

[10] Omirou casts vote in presidential elections

[11] Vassiliou says Clerides’ election will maintain interest on Cyprus

[12] Police say no problem so far with voting

[13] Koutsou casts vote in presidential elections

[14] House President hopes for Papadopoulos victory today

[15] Polling stations reopen

[16] Enclaved hope for a settlement, as they cast their vote

[17] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

[18] Most people have voted, says Chief Returning Officer

[19] Mixed reaction from six independent presidential hopefuls

[20] Voting ends in Presidential elections

[21] Minister: results out by nine o'clock

[22] Cyprus - Presidential elections - Results 40.24%

[23] Cyprus - Presidential elections - Results 61,31%

[24] Government Spokesman: too early for conclusions

[25] Cyprus - Presidential elections - Results 90,23%

[26] Papadopoulos asks for Clerides to stand by him

[27] Clerides pledges to help new Cyprus President

[28] Presidential elections - Final results for Larnaca

[01] Polls open in Cyprus to elect new president

0820:CYPPRESS:01

Polls open in Cyprus to elect new president

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Polls opened here Sunday to elect a new president for a five-year term.

Chief Returning Officer, Kyriacos Triantafyllides, told CNA that polls opened exactly at 0700 local time (0500 GMT) at all 1,076 polling stations. Voting will continue until 1700 with an hours break at midday.

Voting continues all over the island "in an orderly fashion, and voters are coming forward in numbers", according to an official statement.

There are 414 polling stations in Nicosia District, 323 in Limassol District, 50 in the free areas of Famagusta District, 169 in Larnaca District and 120 in Paphos District.

Two special polling stations will operate for the 406 enclaved (Greek Cypriots living in the Turkish-occupied areas).

For the first time, there are ten candidates, among them incumbent President Glafcos Clerides, Democratic Party leader Tassos Papadopoulos, Attorney-General Alecos Markides and New Horizons leader Nicos Koutsou.

The new president will lead Cyprus to the European Union in 2004 and possibly sign an agreement for a comprehensive solution to the long-standing Cyprus problem.

Registered voters amount to 476,345, of which 234,128 are men and 242.217 women. The new registered voters amount to 13,698, and are aged 18-19.

Eight of the candidates appeared to be independent.

Among them is President Glafcos Clerides, who is seeking a limited third term. He is supported for re-election by the rightwing Democratic Rally Party although a number of deputies belonging to this party have publicly backed the candidacy of Attorney-General Alecos Markides, one of Clerides aides.

Tassos Papadopoulos, leader of the centre-right Democratic Party (DIKO), is also supported by leftwing AKEL party, the largest in the Parliament, and the Social Democrats Movement (KISOS).

Nicos Koutsou is supported by the right-wing New Horizons, the party that he leads.

The remaining candidates are Andreas Efstratiou, a businessman, followed by lawyer Christos Iosifides, composer Adamos Katsantonis, farmer and writer Costas Kyriakou, cartoonist George Mavrogenis and civil engineer Pantelis Sofocleous.

Final results will be ready by 2200 local time (2000 GMT), said the Chief Returning Officer.

The candidate who will secure 50% plus one vote will be declared President from the first round and the pronouncement will be made at the Interior Ministry.

If no candidate secures more than 50%, then a second round will be held the following Sunday between the first two candidates.

[02] Ten thousand people assigned to work during elections

0935:CYPPRESS:02

Ten thousand people assigned to work during elections

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Ten thousand people have been assigned to work for todays presidential elections in the free areas of the Republic.

They are allocated for all stages of the elections, including voting, counting and the safe transfer of ballot boxes and the announcement of the election results.

Around three thousand policemen, 55% of the total Police Force, are on duty Sunday, said Police Chief Tasos Panagiotou, to ensure voting takes place without problems.

Members of the Police force have been assigned at polling stations, election centres, party headquarters, accompanying politicians and ballot boxes.

The cost of the elections is estimated at 3.7 million Cyprus pounds for both rounds. If no second round is held, then the amount will be halved.

If a candidate secures 50% plus one vote from the first round, will be declared president during a ceremony at the Eleftheria Indoor Stadium in Nicosia by midnight Sunday, said Chief Returning Officer Kyriacos Triantafyllides.

Otherwise, there will be a second round on 23 February 2003.

There are 476,345 registered voters who are voting to elect one of the ten candidates who are seeking either a re-run or a first time in office.

The four main candidates are incumbent President Glafcos Clerides, Tassos Papadopoulos, leader of the centre-right Democratic Party (DIKO), Nicos Koutsou, leader of the right-wing New Horizons Party and Attorney-General Alecos Markides.

The remaining candidates are Andreas Efstratiou, a businessman, followed by lawyer Christos Iosifides, composer Adamos Katsantonis, farmer and writer Costas Kyriakou, cartoonist George Mavrogenis and civil engineer Pantelis Sofocleous.

Final results would be ready at 2200 local time (2000 GMT).

[03] Enclaved begin voting in Presidential elections

0945:CYPPRESS:03

Enclaved begin voting in Presidential elections

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Greek Cypriot and Maronite enclaved began voting in the free areas of the Republic here Sunday to elect a new President of the Republic.

The enclaved come from the Turkish-occupied Karpass peninsula and the Kyrenia district.

Around 100 Greek Cypriots from Karpass and 50 Maronites are scheduled to cross to the free areas.

According to a statement of the Karpass Coordinating Committee, there are 405 registered voters from the Maronite community and the Karpass peninsula but they are not all expected to participate in the election procedure.

Old age and poor health as well as the danger of their homes being looted by Turkish settlers are factors which are preventing the enclaved from crossing over, the statement added.

The enclaved from the Karpass peninsula will cross in the free areas around 1000 local time (0800 GMT) on Red Cross buses and will be transferred to their polling stations. They will later be offered lunch at the Red Cross headquarters before returning to the Turkish- occupied north of Cyprus.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of the islands territory.

[04] Papadopoulos promises ''a better Cyprus'', sends message to T/Cy

1040:CYPPRESS:04

Papadopoulos promises ''a better Cyprus'', sends message to T/Cy

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Presidential hopeful and leader of the Democratic Party (DIKO) Tassos Papadopoulos has pledged to make Cyprus a better place for all its people, Greek and Turkish Cypriots, and said he is ready to deal with any developments in the peace effort leading to a settlement.

Papadopoulos, currently leading the polls, appeared optimistic that ''with a little more effort'' he can be declared a winner today, thus avoiding a run off next Sunday. His main rival is incumbent President Glafcos Clerides.

Addressing Turkish Cypriots, he asked them not to listen to what others say about him, but to judge him by what he stands for.

''These elections are for Cyprus and we say that we can create a better Cyprus than the one others can offer you. We can bring about change, peace, and a solution on the basis of the negotiations currently underway, with good will and flexibility,'' Papadopoulos said, after he cast his vote at a polling centre near his residence in the village of Deftera, on the outskirts of Nicosia.

Asked if he was ready to deal with rapid developments in the Cyprus question, he said ''we have been ready for some time now, and I believe we can handle developments much better than the current negotiating team, which is in tatters and expresses conflicting positions and assessments of the situation.''

''We can deal with any developments in a constructive, effective and decisive manner, having secured the vote of the electorate and the broadest possible support from the Greek Cypriots,'' he added.

Invited to say if he is ready to sign a peace agreement by the end of February, as the UN has requested the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides to do, Papadopoulos replied ''it is not the UN that is pressing for a solution, it is the entire people of Cyprus and first and foremost we want a quick solution, but we want a lasting and workable solution.''

Noting the presence of Turkish Cypriot journalists among the media covering the elections, Papadopoulos said he wished to address the Turkish Cypriots and ask them not to listen to what others said about him.

''Judge me by what I am and not what others tell you I am. We are striving for a better Cyprus in which Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will participate on an equal footing and share prosperity and happiness in the context of a united Europe, to which I hope a united Cyprus will soon belong,'' Papadopoulos said.

The DIKO leader said he exercised his right to vote, like all Cypriots are doing today, in a ''responsible manner''.

Thanking all those who had worked to help secure his election to the presidency, he said ''I can assure you that our pledge to bring about change remains crystal clear and decisive and I am optimistic that with a little bit more effort we can win the elections today,'' Papadopoulos said.

[05] DISY leader says elections most critical for Cyprus

1045:CYPPRESS:05

DISY leader says elections most critical for Cyprus

Limassol, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Democratic Rally leader Nicos Anastasiades described todays presidential elections as the ''most critical'' since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.

In statements after voting in the southern coastal town of Limassol, Anastasiades, whose party backs incumbent President Glafcos Clerides, said Cypriot voters are called today to choose between the limited mandate of the President (Clerides), who carries a historic debt, so that he can handle the critical developments with (UN Secretary-General Kofi) Annans arrival, the possible visit of (US Secretary of State Colin) Powell or the other alternative which purely satisfies personal ambitions that can be satisfied after the Presidents short mandate.

At the same time, our countrys fate is being determined through these elections, said Anastasiades because whoever is elected, will handle the Cyprus problem in his own manner.

The DISY leader said we are one step prior to a solution and reunification.

Asked if he believes there will not be a second round, Anastasiades expressed certainty that there would be two rounds, surely not one.

Invited to predict the final result, Anastasiades said we trust the judgment of the peopleI have no doubt every Cypriot patriot will take a decision for his country, and will choose his country.

He said it was not party elections or elections for leaderships. Neither the victory will be a party one, but a victory of Cyprus. And the possible election of President Clerides is not a victory for DISY, AKEL, KISOS or DIKO but a victory in general for the Greeks of Cyprus, and the Turkish Cypriots.

[06] Cypriots are turning a page in political history, says Markides

1045:CYPPRESS:06

Cypriots are turning a page in political history, says Markides

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- The citizens of Cyprus are turning a page in the political history of the island, said here Sunday presidential candidate Alecos Markides.

Casting his vote, Markides, flanked by his wife, said today is the day of the citizens, it is the day of Democracy. We are voting by conscience, without dependencies and with the sole knowledge of what our own common sense is instructing us to do for the future of our country.

Today I believe the citizens of Cyprus are turning a page in the political history to build a better future for our country, a future for all citizens, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, Latins and the other lawful residents of Cyprus.

He thanked his supporters for embracing the Markides candidacy, stressing their willingness for a responsible renewal and at the same time a proper continuation regarding the strategy on the Cyprus problem.

Asked if he is anxious about the result, Markides replied negatively, adding he will spend the day visiting election centres.

[07] Official prediction of election outcome after 2100, says Minister

1050:CYPPRESS:07

Official prediction of election outcome after 2100, says Minister

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Interior Minister Andreas Panayiotou said that by eleven o'clock local time (21.00 GMT) the official final result of today's presidential election will be announced, if all runs smoothly.

He said that shortly after eight o'clock there will be a first official prediction of the outcome of the election, contested by an unprecedented number of ten candidates, including incumbent President Glafcos Clerides. His main rival is Democratic Party leader Tassos Papadopoulos.

''We expect to announce the final result at around ten o'clock, at the latest eleven o'clock. Preparations for today's elections started a long time ago and everything is in place and working well,'' the minister said.

He said that he was sure that elections will run smoothly and people will exercise their democratic right in an orderly manner.

[08] President Clerides casts vote in presidential elections

1125:CYPPRESS:08

President Clerides casts vote in presidential elections

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, one of ten candidates in today's presidential elections, expressed satisfaction that voting on the island is carried out in an orderly manner and everyone feels free to vote according to what their conscience tells them.

President Clerides, who voted in the presidential elections this morning in Nicosia and is seeking a third shorter term in office, told reporters that he was ready for his trip to Brussels tomorrow, to participate in an EU discussion on Iraq.

Replying to questions, President Clerides said no meeting had been scheduled with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, noting that if the UN chief does indeed fly to Brussels, then a meeting might be arranged.

He added no meetings whatsoever had been arranged and that ''we are going for one issue, that of the war or not on Iraq''.

President Clerides said the EU member states would reach a decision on Monday and the acceding countries would be briefed on the decision on Tuesday and invited to make their comments.

Invited to comment on information that US Secretary of State Colin Powell may be visiting the island, President Clerides said there was ''nothing official'' about such an event.

Referring to today's elections, President Clerides said he was ''glad because in the Republic of Cyprus elections are being held in order and everyone feels free to vote according to what his conscience says''.

He thanked all those who gathered round him cheering, as well as the people of Cyprus for their vote.

[09] Polling stations close for an hour

1215:CYPPRESS:09

Polling stations close for an hour

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Polling stations in the Republic's government-controlled areas closed at noon for an hour, Chief Returning Officer Kyriakos Triantafyllides announced here today.

He said that about 48 per cent of the electorate has already cast its vote, a percentage which is a bit less than the previous presidential race in 1998.

[10] Omirou casts vote in presidential elections

1225:CYPPRESS:10

Omirou casts vote in presidential elections

Paphos, Feb 16 (CNA) -- President of the Social Democrats Movement Yiannakis Omirou exercised his right to vote today in the island's presidential elections, noting that Cypriot Hellenism was casting its vote with a sense of democratic responsibility and maturity to elect the new President of the Republic.

Speaking after casting his vote in Paphos, Omirou expressed optimism that the people would vote for candidate Tassos Papadopoulos, leader of the centre-right Democratic Party, who is also supported by leftwing AKEL party, the largest in the Parliament, and the Social Democrats Movement.

Omirou said the opposition forces had placed before the people of Cyprus "a comprehensive, democratic and progressive alternative", by supporting Papadopoulos.

''We are certain that today the people can open a new road of prospects and hope for the future'', he said, adding that Papadopoulos would handle the Cyprus problem wisely and would lead a ''progressive internal administration into a new era''.

[11] Vassiliou says Clerides’ election will maintain interest on Cyprus

1230:CYPPRESS:11

Vassiliou says Clerides election will maintain interest on Cyprus

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- United Democratsleader and former president of the Republic, George Vassiliou, called on the people to vote for incumbent President Glafcos Clerides to maintain the unprecedented international interest for a Cyprus settlement.

Vassiliou, who voted in Sundays presidential elections, told Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot journalists today, the people of Cyprus, with an utmost sense of responsibility are deciding about our future.

He said it is already known that the Secretary-General of the UN is coming to Cyprus in order to hopefully come to an agreement by the 28th February and that in Ankara, the decision seems to have been taken that enough is enough and Cyprus should be reunited.

Under these circumstances, he added, we want to believe that the people of Cyprus will decide today and next Sunday that they should continue with President Clerides so we can look forward to the reunification of our island.

Vassiliou referred to the unprecedented international interest in a Cyprus settlement, noting that the European Union continues to want the accession of a reunited Cyprus.

He also referred to press reports that US Secretary of State Colin Powell might visit Cyprus, as well as Kofi Annans scheduled visit to the island 26-28 February.

It is for these reasons that we believe the people of Cyprus will not want to change a captain at this most crucial moment and look forward to have a result which will make us all live at last in a reunited Cyprus, he added.

[12] Police say no problem so far with voting

1250:CYPPRESS:12

Police say no problem so far with voting

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Voting this morning for the presidential elections was carried out without any serious problems and in an orderly manner, according to the Police.

Head of the Police Crisis Control Centre for the Elections Giorgos Voutounos told CNA that the Force was ready to tackle any event, adding that ''so far, from the general information on an island-wide basis, it appears that voting is being carried out in absolute order, without any special problems''.

Voutounos said the Police handled two incidents this morning, in Larnaca and Limassol, where slogans with an election content had been written outside polling stations. He said these were erased.

In a statement to CNA, Voutounos said 3,016 members of the Police Force were stationed at 1,078 polling stations, adding that other contingency, anti-riot and interrogation units had been set up in order to ''tackle anything that may come up''.

Apart from these measures, Police patrols check on polling stations and candidates' homes.

[13] Koutsou casts vote in presidential elections

1300:CYPPRESS:13

Koutsou casts vote in presidential elections

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Presidential hopeful and President of the New Horizons party (NEO) Nicos Koutsou said he was very optimistic about the results of today's elections.

''The messages we are receiving from all districts are very optimistic. We have voiced clearly our position that we are for a solution within Europe,'' he added and expressed certainty that his candidature will rank third.

He said he hoped that the elections will give NEO the mandate to exercise control over the government that will emerge after the elections.

Koutsou, who made statements after exercising his right to vote today in the island's presidential elections, referred to a UN peace plan for a Cyprus settlement, and noted that NEO are against a solution on the basis of this plan.

''The Annan plan basically makes us a protectorate of Turkey and we cannot coexist in a united Europe, divided as a society and as a state,'' he said.

He also said his party was waiting to see the second revised plan, expected to be submitted by the Secretary General Kofi Annan sometime soon and then express responsibly its view on it.

The elections are contested by an unprecedented number of candidates, ten in total, including incumbent President Glafcos Clerides whose main rival is Democratic Party leader Tassos Papadopoulos.

[14] House President hopes for Papadopoulos victory today

1305:CYPPRESS:14

House President hopes for Papadopoulos' victory today

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Demetris Christofias, House President and General Secretary of the main opposition party, the leftwing AKEL, backing presidential hopeful Tassos Papadopoulos, said he was confident of an electoral victory at today's poll.

Speaking after he cast his vote in Nicosia, Christofias also said that political parties want to see Cyprus reunited and Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots living peacefully together in a bizonal, bicommunal federal state, member of the European Union.

''We have to make a common effort to reunite our country, not at the expense of either of the two communities. Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can live peacefully together in a bizonal, bicommunal federation,'' Christofias said.

Addressing himself to Turkish Cypriots, he said ''I am sending you a message of brotherhood, unity and reunification of our country where we will all live together and in peace'', adding that both communities have suffered a lot in the past over the years and should say ''mea culpa.''

Replying to questions, Christofias said that negotiations on a UN peace plan should conclude and the final text of the plan should be put to the people to decide.

Asked if he is optimistic about an electoral victory at today's poll, which will avert a re-run next Sunday, he said ''I expect to be at home or working for the implementation of the political manifesto of the forces of change,'' that support Democratic Party leader and main rival of incumbernt President Glafcos Clerides, Tassos Papadopoulos.

''The people of Cyprus have already expressed through opinion polls their wish for a change of government and I hope today is the day when this wish will become a reality,'' he added.

He said he hoped that there will be a president elected, who will handle the Cyprus question in unity and cooperation with the majority of the political parties for a viable and workable solution.

[15] Polling stations reopen

1325:CYPPRESS:15

Polling stations reopen

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Polling stations reopened at 1300 local time (1100 GMT) to enable all the registered voters to cast their vote in today's poll, which will elect the next president of the Republic.

The polling stations closed at noon and at that time about 48 per cent of the electorate had cast their vote.

The stations will close at 1700, unless voting time is extended by order of the presiding electoral officer at any given polling station.

There are 476.345 registered voters and 1.078 polling stations have been set up in the southern government controlled part of the island.

[16] Enclaved hope for a settlement, as they cast their vote

1420:CYPPRESS:16

Enclaved hope for a settlement, as they cast their vote

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) About 200 Greek Cypriot and Maronite enclaved, living in the island's northern Turkish occupied areas, are expected to vote here Sunday to elect a new president of the Republic.

There are 277 registered voters among the 500 enclaved persons, but ill health and old age will probably prevent many of them from coming to the government controlled areas to cast their vote, at the two polling stations, set up especially for them.

Most enclaved are elderly, men and black-clad women, who have endured the hardships that the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus has brought. A Red Cross bus transported them to the government controlled areas and is to take them back later on.

Katina Nicola Velounia, 92, from Rizokarpasso told reporters I have come to sign so that we can be free soon. Her daughter Andriana said because of her mothers poor health, the two have been staying in the free areas of the Republic where medical health is accessible. She too echoed her mothers wish that the island be freed.

Maritsa Polyviou, 75, from Rizokarpasso said for 30 years now she has been looking after her home and local cinema in her occupied village.

Panagis Hronias sounded pessimistic about the prospect of a settlement. ''No way will the Cyprus problem be solved, he told journalists.

Yiannis Archontous, 70, from Rizokarpasso said that during their trip from the Karpass peninsula they were not harassed by the occupation regime, and that if there is a second round in the presidential elections next Sunday, he would be back to vote again.

I hope something happens so that we can be free, he said, adding that the only source of information they have to find out what is going on in the government controlled areas is television and radio.

Kyriacos Nicola Papazacharia, from Ayia Triada hoped for a just and peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem and said that Karpasia should be under Greek Cypriot administration, as part of a solution that would reunite the island.

''This is why we have stayed in the Karpass peninsula, so that all refugees can return to their homes, he added.

Imprisoned for 29 years, without having committed a crime.

This is how 82 year-old Andromahi Zizardi from Rizokarpasso described her predicament to reporters. She said Turkish settlers attempted to enter her house twice to steal from her.

Andreas Christofi, 70, from Agios Andronicos, expressed hope there will be justice in a settlement.

''When there is a strong government, everything can happen,'' he said.

Giorghoulla Michailou, 22, said she has lived in occupied Rizokarpasso since she was born. She was accompanied by her husband and their five young children. She said she spends her day at home with the children while her husband is out at sea fishing to earn a living.

Her husband, Panagiotis, 29, said one of the problems they are facing is that there is no kindergarten for the children and that if any of them is sick, then they have to obtain permission from the occupation regime to come to the free areas of the Republic for medical treatment.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of the islands territory.

[17] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

1435:CYPPRESS:17

Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Today's weather and temperatures for Cyprus,
according to the Meteorological Service at Larnaca International
Airport are:

Temperatures (degrees Celcius)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Station               Maximum     Minimum       Weather
(At 1200 UTC)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Nicosia                 14            5         FINE
Larnaca                 17            5         FINE
Limassol                19            8         FINE
Paphos                  16            7         FINE

[18] Most people have voted, says Chief Returning Officer

1620:CYPPRESS:18

Most people have voted, says Chief Returning Officer

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Chief Returning Officer Kyriakos Triantafyllides said that by 1500 local time (1300 GMT) the vast majority of the registered voters had cast their vote in today's presidential elections.

''In Nicosia and Paphos districts as well as the government controlled part of Famagusta district (on the east) about 80 per cent of the voters have actually voted,'' he said.

In Limassol district, just over 78 per cent of the electorate went to the polls and in Larnaca 75 per cent of registered Greek Cypriots have expressed their preference for the new president of the Republic.

Triantafyllides said that these percentages correspond to the figures of the last presidential elections in 1998.

He said he did not expect any extension of the voting time beyond the specified time of 1700 (1500 GMT) but if there is a need for an extension, this could be given.

Ten candidates are bidding for the presidency, most of whom are running as independent, among them incumbent President Glafcos Clerides, whose main rival is Democratic Party leader Tassos Papadopoulos, who is leading the polls and is backed by the main opposition AKEL party and the Social Democrats.

[19] Mixed reaction from six independent presidential hopefuls

1625:CYPPRESS:19

Mixed reaction from six independent presidential hopefuls

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- All ten candidates contesting today's presidential elections have cast their votes, including six running as independent who, according to pundits, have no chance of even getting through to a second round of voting, if this takes place next Sunday.

This, however, is not the view of at least one of the six, Kostas Kyriakou, who says he is ''assured of a victory'' at today's poll.

Apart from these six candidates, the main contenders, as listed on the ballot, are: New Horizons leader Nicos Koutsou, Democratic Party leader Tassos Papadopoulos, incumbent President Glafcos Clerides and Alecos Markides, on leave from his post as the Republic's Attorney General.

Andreas Efstratiou, a businessman from Paphos, said the people of Cyprus will be the winners of these elections and suggested that there will be a ''big surprise today.''

Christos Iosifides, a 59-year old lawyer, complained about unfair treatment by the media during the campaign. However, he declared that today is ''a sacred day for democracy and people have the chance to exercise their right to elect their leaders.''

Adamos Katsantonis, a composer from Famagusta, said he hopes for a ''good share of the vote'' to allow him to have a say in a run off next Sunday.

''Today's poll will not elect the next president of the Republic,'' he said, adding he would consult with others in the coming week before deciding which candidate to back in the second round.

Farmer Kostas Kyriakou, alias Utopos, from Paphos, was absolutely confident he would be the next president of the Republic after today's poll and said the whole of Cyprus ''is in for a very big surprise.''

He said everywhere he went, ''people were very supportive of his candidacy.''

George Mavrogenis, a cartoonist, said the media had not covered the election campaign "in an objective manner".

On his expectations from the new president, he said ''I hope whoever is elected will follow the constitutional provisions so that this state will exist and function properly.''

Pantelis Sofocleous, 42, a civil engineer from Famagusta, said he was pleased he had had the chance to air his political views through the media to inform public opinion.

[20] Voting ends in Presidential elections

1710:CYPPRESS:20

Voting ends in Presidential elections

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Voting to elect a new President in Cyprus ended at 1700 local time (1500 GMT).

[21] Minister: results out by nine o'clock

1840:CYPPRESS:21

Minister: results out by nine o'clock

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Cyprus Interior Minister Andreas Panayiotou has said that the final results of today's polling to elect a president are expected to be announced by nine o'clock this evening (1900 GMT).

He said about 90 to 92 per cent of the registered voters had cast their vote by the time polling stations closed (at 1700).

''Things ran smoothly and this is the result of a concerted effort by all government departments involved in these elections as well as the parties and the candidates,'' Panayiotou said.

He said polling took place in an orderly manner and he expressed his satisfaction that ''the people of Cyprus have displayed political maturity and civil behaviour, confirming that people believe in the democratic process.''

The minister congratulated the Chief Returning Officer, his deputy and all others at the election services who have worked very hard for a successful electoral process.

Panayiotou said he was also pleased with the substantive role the media have played in informing public opinion throughout this electoral campaign.

He expressed hope that the mild climate that has prevailed so far will continue after the final result is announced.

[22] Cyprus - Presidential elections - Results 40.24%

1900:CYPPRESS:22

Cyprus - Presidential elections – Results 40,24%

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- With 40.24 percent of the vote being counted during Sunday’s presidential elections, opposition candidate, Democratic Party leader, Tassos Papadopoulos, was leading with 51.34 percent over incumbent President Glafcos Clerides who secures 39.12 percent of the vote.

So far, Papadopoulos leads with 85,666 votes followed by Clerides with 65,279 votes.

Alecos Markides is third with 10,839 votes or 6.50 percent while New Horizons leader, Nicos Koutsou, received 3,384 votes or 2.03 percent.

Analytically, the results so far are:

Eligible voters      -   191,704
Votes cast           -   173,837
Abstention           -    9.32%
Valid                -   95.99%
Void                 -    2.70%
Blank                -    1.30%

Candidates:

Tassos Papadopoulos    -  85,666 or 51.34%
Glafcos Clerides       -  65,279 or 39.12%
Alecos Markides        -  10,839 or  6.50%

[23] Cyprus - Presidential elections - Results 61,31%

1910:CYPPRESS:23

Cyprus - Presidential elections – Results 61,31%

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- With more than sixty percent of the votes being counted during Sunday’s presidential elections, opposition candidate, Democratic Party leader, Tassos Papadopoulos, was leading with 51.10 percent over incumbent President Glafcos Clerides who secures 39.22 percent of the vote.

So far, Papadopoulos leads with 129,830 votes followed by Clerides with 99,656 votes.

Alecos Markides is third with 16,790 votes or 6.61 percent while New Horizons leader, Nicos Koutsou, received 5,238 votes or 2.06 percent.

Analytically, the results so far are:

Eligible voters      -   292,024
Votes cast           -   246,693
Abstention           -    9.36%
Valid                -   95.98%
Void                 -    2.70%
Blank                -    1.31%

Candidates:

Tassos Papadopoulos    -  129,830 or 51.10%
Glafcos Clerides       -   99,656 or 39.22%
Alecos Markides        -  16,790  or  6.61%

[24] Government Spokesman: too early for conclusions

1915:CYPPRESS:24

Government Spokesman: too early for conclusions

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Cyprus Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said here tonight that it is too early to draw any concrete conclusions on whether there will be a second round to today's presidential polling.

Speaking at the headquarters of incumbent President Glafcos Clerides, who is seeking a new shorter term in office, and after exit polls gave Clerides' main rival more than 50 per cent of the vote, Papapetrou called for patience because ''there is still a long way to go.''

''If DIKO leader Tassos Papadopoulos does not make it tonight, then things will change in the run off election and his possibility to increase the percentage he gets tonight will be very limited if not almost non existent,'' he said.

Asked to comment on the 53 plus per cent exit polls have given Papadopoulos, the spokesman noted that first indications from the exit polls gave Papadopoulos more than 59 per cent and these have dropped to 52,5 per cent.

[25] Cyprus - Presidential elections - Results 90,23%

1925:CYPPRESS:24

Cyprus - Presidential elections Results 90,23%

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- With almost all votes being counted during Sundays presidential elections, opposition candidate, Democratic Party leader, Tassos Papadopoulos, was leading with 51.41 percent over incumbent President Glafcos Clerides who secures 38.93 percent of the vote.

Papadopoulos leads with 191,864 votes securing more than 50 percent plus one vote required to be elected president from the first round. He is followed by Clerides with 145,276 votes.

[26] Papadopoulos asks for Clerides to stand by him

1940:CYPPRESS:25

Papadopoulos asks for Clerides to stand by him

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Tassos Papadopoulos thanked the people here Sunday for electing him President of the republic, noting the people have opted for a change and a new mandate.

[27] Clerides pledges to help new Cyprus President

2015:CYPPRESS:27

Clerides pledges to help new Cyprus President

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- Outgoing President of the Republic Glafcos Clerides congratulated Tassos Papadopoulos for his victory in today's presidential elections, saying he is ready to give the new President all the help he can on the Cyprus problem.

The people have decided, the peoples decision is respected, Clerides, who had been seeking a third limited mandate, said after he telephoned Papadopoulos to congratulate him.

I have telephoned Mr. Papadopoulos and congratulated him, said the outgoing President, adding the new president asked him to stand by him. I replied, with pleasure any help he needs, and whatever I can, I will give it to him.

[28] Presidential elections - Final results for Larnaca

2040:CYPPRESS:28

Presidential elections – Final results for Larnaca

Nicosia, Feb 16 (CNA) -- The final results for the Larnaca district are:

Registered voters: 79,394
Votes cast: 72,172    -   90.90%
Abstention:  7,222    -    9.10%
Valid:      69,254    -   95.96%
Void:        1,941    -    2.69%
Blank:         977    -    1.35%

CANDIDATES
----------
TASSOS PAPADOPOULOS   36,534   52.75%
GLAFCOS CLERIDES      27,427   39.60%
ALECOS MARKIDES        3,518    5.08%
NICOS KOUTSOU          1,274    1.84%
COSTAS KYRIACOU          220    0.32%
CHRISTOS IOSIFIDES       113    0.16%
ADAMOS KATSANTONIS        83    0.12%
GEORGE MAVROGENIS         38    0.05%
PANTELIS SOFOCLEOUS       28    0.04%

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