PRESS AND INFORMATION OFFICE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS CYPRUS FACT SHEET POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS 26 May 2014 The six newly-elected Cypriot MEPs. (Photo: PIO Photographic Department) European Parliament Elections sion, the values and principles on which the EU is I based as well as the rights of Cyprus through their own The voting process for the election of the representa- voice.” Moreover, the President points out that “ the tives of Cyprus to the European Parliament takes place high level of abstention in the elections to choose the on 25 May 2014. According to the final results of the representatives to the European Parliament, is a major elections, out of the 606.915 registered electors only issue that must be seriously considered and discussed 266.891 casted their vote, leading to an abstention rate both at the level of the EU leaders as well as by the of 56,03%. The percentage of invalid and blank votes political forces. In fact, this issue will be included in the was 1,91% and 1,08% respectively, while the results for European Council agenda during tomorrow’s meeting. the main contending parties were as follows: It is important that the European citizens are persuad- ed through the right policies, which address their DEMOCRATIC RALLY: 37,75% AKEL – LEFT – NEW needs that Europe and its institutions stand by their FORCES: 26,98% DEMOCRATIC PARTY: 10,83% EDEK – side, in order for them to participate energetically in GREEN PARTY:7,68% and CITIZEN’S ALLIANCE: 6,78% European affairs.” Therefore, the newly-elected Members of the Europe- an Parliament for Cyprus are: Eleni Theocharous and He also expresses his satisfaction “for the high level of Christos Stylianides of the Democratic Rally, Takis confidence with which the Cypriot people credited the Hadjigeorgiou and Neoclis Sylikiotis of AKEL, Costas forces that support the Government,” while also assur- Mavrides of the Democratic Party and Demetris Papa- ing that “we will continue to govern with the same dakis of the EDEK-GREEN PARTY coalition. sense of responsibility, implementing effective policies that ultimately aim toward the successful management In a written statement issued on 26 May 2014, Presi- of the economic crisis, especially the problems that the dent Anastasiades congratulates the newly-elected vulnerable groups of citizens face, while at the same MEPs highlighting his belief that they will effectively time, and in cooperation with the rest of the political represent “the interests of the people of Cyprus within forces, we will continue the efforts for the successful the European Parliament and will promote social cohe- handling of our national issue, the Cyprus problem.” POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS ISSUE 12/2014 .