Parliament voted unanimously to approve legislation redistributing parliamentary seats, giving Paphos a fifth seat whilst reducing Nicosia’s representation from 20 to 19 MPs.
The changes will take effect in the 2026 parliamentary elections.
The amendment to the Election of Members of the House of Representatives Law is based on registered voter numbers by electoral district as of 2 October 2025, when the supplementary electoral roll was incorporated into the permanent register.
According to the latest electoral register data, total registered voters across Cyprus stand at 561,253. The calculation method for seat distribution by district mirrors the procedure outlined in the election law for first and second seat allocation after voting concludes.
Interior Committee chairman Aristos Damianou noted that under automatic voter registration, Nicosia would not lose a seat and might even gain one, something that could occur from subsequent parliamentary elections onwards.
Chrysanthos Savvides said it was a historic day because Paphos was growing politically as well as in football with Pafos FC. “This means we Paphians will have another strong voice in parliament,” he said.
Marinos Mousiouttas added that with the passage of automatic voter registration legislation, the seat would return to Nicosia.
Charalambos Pazaros described it as a historic day for Paphos because it resolves a longstanding problem of compulsory single preference voting, as voters now have a second choice. He said the vote must be unanimous.
Andreas Themistokleous said no MP would oppose logic and justice, as the seat rightfully belongs to Paphos.
However, looking at the numbers more carefully, he added, automatic registration would lead to seat redistribution, and “unfortunately it’s not only Paphos and Nicosia that will be affected, one negatively and one positively”.
Demetris Demetriou said it was simply a matter of applying what is self-evident and what population proportions dictate.
Marinos Sizopoulos added that the Cypriot parliament cannot have the smallest number of MPs in the EU and must proceed with increasing MP numbers to better meet obligations.
Onoufrios Koulla suggested considering whether a province’s seat allocation should depend on actual voter turnout in the future. “This could provide an incentive for voters to participate in the process. Seats could be rolling depending on previous turnout,” he said.
The bill passed with 37 votes in favour.
Parliament postponed for one week the vote on an amendment and regulations addressing issues arising in cases of namesakes among candidates from the same party list on a district’s ballot.