Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-02-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS - POLLING

[02] PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS - INTERIOR MINISTER

[03] PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS - ENCLAVED PRERSONS

[04] BAHDATIS - MARSEIILES OPEN

[01] PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS - POLLING

``Voting at all polling stations is continuing smoothly and by 10:00 this morning the percentage of turnout and the respective percentage of the presidential elections in 2003 is as follows: In Nicosia, the turnout is 16.3% compared to 22% in the 2003 presidential elections, in Limassol 15% compared to 18%, Famagusta 15% compared to 17%, Larnaca 17.7% compared to 20% and Paphos 15% compared to 22%,`` he said.

Savvides noted that ``the average turnout is 15.97% compared to 20.27% in 2003 and there are no particular problems at the polling stations.``

Asked about a meeting he had earlier today with Chief of Police Iacovos Papacostas, Savvides said he had been informed about the state of roads in certain mountainous areas, where there was bad weather, adding that ``there are no serious problems causing us concern about voters going to the polling stations.``

Savvides noted that there were no closed roads but ``where there are some problems due to rainfall, the voters are being assisted by the Police.``

Voting in the presidential elections began at 0700 (0500 GMT) local time. Polling stations will close at 1700, with a one-hour break at 1200.

It appears that there will be a second round of elections on February 24, since none of the three main candidates is expected to secure 50% plus one vote to be elected in the first round. The two candidates to secure the most votes in the first round will pass into the run off election.

The three main candidates are, in the order they appear on the ballot paper, Ioannis Kasoulides, Demetris Christofias and Tassos Papadopoulos, who is running for re-election.

[02] PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS - INTERIOR MINISTER

Speaking after casting his vote at a polling station in Paphos, Patsalides said everything was running smoothly since polling stations opened this morning.

He added that most of the ballots would be counted by 2000 local time.

Furthermore, Patsalides referred to certain newspapers that had violated the election law and printed pre-election material, noting that measures would have to be taken against them.

[03] PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS - ENCLAVED PRERSONS

Head of the Humanitarian Issues Department Kyriacos Grecos has told CNA that the enclaved were picked up at the Ledra Palace checkpoint in Nicosia, which borders the Turkish occupied areas, and were taken in Red Cross vehicles to a polling station, where a special ballot box has been set up for them.

In order to vote they will only have to present their identity card or any other document issued by the Republic of Cyprus, bearing their photograph.

After they have voted, they will be taken to a restaurant in Nicosia for lunch and will then depart for their villages.

Grecos said that any of the enclaved who are holders of a voting booklet would have to make arrangements to vote at the polling stations they are registered at.

[04] BAHDATIS - MARSEIILES OPEN

Baghdatis lost the sets 6 - 4 and 6 - 2, in a game that lasted one hour and 21 minutes.

Ancic will be playing against British Andy Murray (ATP ranking 11) in the finals of the tournament.

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