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] POLICE CHIEF - VOTING

[03] PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS OVERSEAS VOTERS DELAYS

[01] PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS - POLLING

Savvides said that by midday a total of 48.06 % of voters had cast their vote, compared to 48.56 in the 2003 Presidential elections.

The only district with a lower percentage was Paphos and that was due to the weather conditions, he added.

In Nicosia, a total of 49% of people voted by midday, compared to 45% in 2003, in Limassol 45,05% compared to 49%, Famagusta 48% compared to 51%, Larnaca 50,06% compared to 49% and Paphos 47.06% compared to 57% in 2003, the Chief Returning officer said.

Savvides further said that with the arrival of overseas Cypriots it is possible that the percentage of abstentions will be lower than any other electoral procedure.

He said there was a constant flow of voters to polling stations, adding that there were no problems except some minor incidents which were dealt with.

Savvides said weather conditions in Paphos caused some problems but were tackled by the local returning officer and the cooperation of local authorities.

He said there was complete order, adding I believe that this will continue until 1700 when polls will close.

Voting in the presidential elections began at 0700 (0500 GMT) local time. Polling stations will close at 1700.

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 reelection.

[02] POLICE CHIEF - VOTING

Papacostas said that few very minor problems emerged which are not noteworthy, adding that all of them were addressed with the cooperation of local district administration.

He noted that the Police have been in constant contact with all Police district departments and with the Chief Returning Officers office.

The Chief of Police also said that Police district departments have their own contact lines with the relevant district officers.

[03] PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS OVERSEAS VOTERS DELAYS

Communication and Public Relations Manager of Hermes Airports Adamos Aspris said two of the delayed flights have already landed at Larnaca Airport, while two other flights will land with further delays.

Aspris said Hermes Airports ``will observe all relevant procedures and everything possible will be done to accelerate airplane disembarkation procedures and give the opportunity to the passengers to vote in time.``

A total of 12 planes are expected to land in Cyprus with voters, five from Athens, two from Salonica, three from London, one from Manchester and one from Birmingham, carrying about one thousand voters.

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