Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-05-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS OSCE OBSERVERS

[02] PRESIDENT OFFICIAL VISIT AUSTRALIA

[03] CABINET QATAR INVESTMENT

[01] PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS OSCE OBSERVERS

He said their presence does not intimidate the Election Service, expressing the hope that things will run smoothly as they have done in previous elections.

Savvides said that a total of 531,136 persons are registered to vote, a number which is 30 percent higher than the 2006 parliamentary elections.

We hope that during these elections too, voters will come forward in an orderly manner and exercise their right to vote, he said, adding that all polling stations are ready for Sundays poll.

A total of 8.500 civil servants will work on the day of the elections.

Polls will open at 0700 local time (0400 GMT) and close at 1830 with a one-hour break at noon. Votes will be counted at local electoral centers and final results on the percentage secured by the parties as well as the number of the seats allocated to parties in the new parliament, are expected to be announced around 2300 local time.

Savvides reminded everybody that on midnight Friday, the pre-election campaign wraps up and all party banners must be removed. Savvides said nothing can be done to control the messages that are being relayed through the internet and social networks.

A total of 1203 polling stations will operate in Cyprus and overseas and a further 17 for the election of the representatives of the three religious groups (Armenians, Maronites and Latins). Polling stations will also operate in Athens, Patra, Salonica, London and Manchester.

The enclaved (Greek Cypriots living in the northern Turkish occupied part of Cyprus) will vote at two polling stations in Nicosia while a special polling station will operate in the Central Prisons.

Turkish Cypriot voters will be voting at polling stations with Greek Cypriot voters.

Savvides said that those who have lost their election booklets can still replace them by 1300 Saturday.

Twenty of the 56 parliamentary seats are allocated to Nicosia electoral district, 12 to Limassol, 11 to Famagusta, 6 to Larnaca, 4 to Paphos and 3 to Kerynia.

Seats are allocated under the system of proportional representation. Voters, he explained, have to indicate their preference of a party and have the right to place a + or x or a tick against the name of the candidates of their choice. Voters can choose up to five candidates for Nicosia, three in Limassol, three in Famagusta, two in Larnaca and one each for Paphos and Kyrenia.

[02] PRESIDENT OFFICIAL VISIT AUSTRALIA

According to the Athens News Agency, President Christofias is expected to arrive in Australia on Wednesday and on Thursday he will travel to Canberra to meet the Prime Minister of Australia, the General Governor and the Chairman of the Federal House of Representatives.

After the meetings, he will depart for Adelaide, for a meeting with the South Australia Premier Mike Rann.

On May 27, President Christofias will go to Melbourne, where Premier of Victoria Ted Baillieu will host a reception in honor of the Cypriot President. In the afternoon, President Christofias will attend an event organised by the Cyprus Community.

On Saturday, May 28, members of the Federation of Cyprus Communities and Organisations of Australia and New Zealand will host a lunch in honour of the President and his spouse Elsi. In the morning, President Christofias will give a press conference.

[03] CABINET QATAR INVESTMENT

In statements after the Cabinets meeting, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said that the agreement provides for the construction of a luxury hotel, apartments, shops and offices, for Cypriot and foreign investors.

The agreement, he went on to note, is of great importance for Cyprus, since it has a positive impact on the economy and Cyprus in general.

The investment of Qatar is a vote of confidence for the Cypriot economy, opening many and great prospects, strengthening the economy, growth, creating hundreds of new jobs, upgrading and enriching Nicosias tourist product and opening new prospects for new investments in Cyprus from Qatar and other countries, he pointed out.

The government, Stephanou said, expresses its satisfaction over the conclusion of the agreement with Qatar and pledges to continue its efforts aiming at strengthening the economy, the development and creating new prospects for the present and future of Cyprus and our people.

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