Voters to choose leader in run-off
THE second round of presidential elections in South Cyprus is drawing closer, as the election campaign ended at midnight.
Voters are called to choose between incumbent Nicos Anastasiades and presidential contender Stavros Malas, in run-off voting tomorrow.
The two presidential contenders will face each other without having secured the backing of the parties that supported other candidates in the first round.
The head of the Church of South Cyprus yesterday voiced his support for incumbent Mr Anastasiades, appearing certain that Mr Malas had no chance of winning.
Archbishop Chrysostomos met with Mr Anastasiades at the presidential palace. Upon his arrival, he was asked about Mr Malas’ comment that if elected, he wouldn’t be consulting with him on the appointment of the education minister.
“He won’t be elected, why would I care if he asks me or not,” the outspoken archbishop said.
After the meeting, Archbishop Chrysostomos said the Church supported Mr Anastasiades for re-election, adding that they had had a wonderful cooperation throughout the past five years and it was going to continue on all issues, political, religious, cultural, and others.
“What we care about is the national issue,” he said. “We will be close to the president and will be briefed about the national issue and the president will listen to our views. This is why the church will support him in the election.”
On Sunday Mr Anastasiades comfortably made it through to the second round of the presidential elections, garnering 35.5 per cent of the vote amid an election marred by voter abstention of 28.6 per cent.
He will be running against Akel-backed independent Mr Malas who received 30.25 per cent. The third main contender, Diko leader Nicolas Papadopoulos with 25.75 per cent is out of the running.
Diko’s spokesman Athos Antoniades said on Tuesday after a meeting of the party’s executive board that the party will not support either candidate in tomorrow’s run-off because any form of cooperation with either of them would mean “stepping back from Diko’s positions”.
Asked if the party’s stance was calling on their supporters to pick whoever they wish, the Diko spokesman said “Voters who think they can support one of the two candidates should do it.”
Polls will close at 6pm.
The first results from small polling stations are expected soon after they close at 6pm, while the final results are expected to be announced by 7.30pm.
The proclamation ceremony will take place tomorrow evening, at 10pm at the Tassos Papadopoulos/Eleftheria stadium, in South Nicosia.