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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 06-12-17Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] LOCAL ELECTIONSGreek and Turkish Cypriots and European nationals living in Cyprus went to the polls Sunday to elect the mayors of 27 municipalities, 23 in the government-controlled areas and four in the areas occupied by Turkish troops since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.The percentage of those who voted per district is: Nicosia 82%, Limassol 86%, Famagusta 87%, Larnaca 84% and Paphos 86%. [02] POLITICAL LEADERS - VOTECypriot political leaders casted their votes Sunday, for Cyprus`s local elections, calling on the people to exercise their voting right with a view to strengthen the local authorities.Cyprus House President and AKEL party General Secretary, Demetris Christofias, called on the people to exercise their voting right. ``Such moments must not be underestimated at all because in these hours the people have a say and they should exercise it to express their verdict,`` Christofias added, noting that the municipal cooperation will elect the biggest possible number of Mayors. He also expressed hope that AKEL, which has laid the premises of the local authorities in Cyprus, will once again prove to be the most powerful force in local authorities. DISI President Nicos Anastasiades said his is optimistic that his party will achieve the aims set for the municipal elections. He added that DISI supports candidates from a wide social partnership, people that have not been asked about their party identity, but for their ability and commitment to operate collectively to strengthen the local authorities. After casting his vote DIKO President Marios Karoyian called on the people to support the candidates of the municipal cooperation and to support DIKO`s voice in the local authorities. The candidates of the municipal cooperation ``have experience, knowledge and vision and, above all, they are backed by a solid majority within the municipal councils which ensures that their programme will be implemented for the sake of the citizens and the community,`` he added. He also called on the people to exercise their voting right, noting that the local administration is a vital institution for the operation of the democratic regime.`` EDEK President Giannakis Omirou called on the people to support EDEK`s candidates for the municipal and community councils. ``EDEK supports the candidates of the municipal cooperation, a cooperation which is founded on the principle of local authorities, decentralization and administrational and financial independence,`` he added. According to Omirou today`s election belongs to the local administration, to the citizens and the local communities. European Party President Demetris Syllouris called on the people to exercise the voting right, strengthening democracy in Cyprus` first local elections after its accession to the European Union. He added that the European Party will remain close to the municipal authorities, regardless of their political origins and with no political considerations, aiming at a more European local administration for the sake of the quality of living. After casting Environmentalists Movement`s General Secretary Giorgos Perdikis expressed hope that today`s vote will strengthen the Greens` voice in local administration. ``The ecologist`s Movement gives today a difficult battle with green bicycles against party tanks. We strive so the green voice for green and human cities and villatges will be strengthened,`` he added. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |