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Parliament name (generic / translated) Vouli Antiprosopon / House of Representatives More photos  >>> Structure of parliament Unicameral Affiliation to the IPU Yes Affiliation date(s) 1978 - LEADERSHIP President Demetris Syllouris (M)  Notes Elected on 2 June 2016. Secretary General Socrates Socratous (a.i.) (M)  Notes Appointed on 1 March 2018. COMPOSITION Members (statutory / current number) 80 / 56 PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN More statistics  >>> Women (current number) 10 (17.86%) Mode of designation directly elected 80 Notes 56 members are elected by the Greek-Cypriot community while 24 are elected by the Turkish-Cypriot community (seats currently vacant). Term 5 years Last renewal dates 22 May 2016 (View details) CONTACT INFORMATION Address House of Representatives NICOSIA (Export mailing lists) Phone (357) 22 40 73 00 Fax (357) 22 66 86 11 E-mail international-relations@parliament.cy s.g@parliament.cy Website http://www.parliament.cy

Parliament name (generic / translated) Vouli Antiprosopon / House of Representatives Structure of parliament Unicameral LEGAL FRAMEWORK Electoral law 16 July 1979 Last amended: 16.01.2003 Mode of designation directly elected 80 Constituencies 6 multi-member constituencies (seats allotted in proportion to population) Voting system Proportional: Direct election with party-list proportional representation (open list) and preferential system Voters first select the list of a single party (or coalition of parties or a single independent candidate) and then, within the list, can mark one preference for every four seats to be filled in their constituency. In the case of constituencies having fewer than three seats, only one preference can be marked. Party leaders or other candidates heading coalitions do not require a preference mark to be elected. Seats are distributed among lists within each constituency by dividing the total number of votes cast for each list by the electoral quota (the largest remainder method using Hare quota). The remaining seats are distributed among the parties or coalitions of parties that won at least one seat in any constituency pursuant to the first distribution or, for single parties, at least 1.8 per cent of all valid votes cast throughout the island (for coalitions of 2 or more parties, the applicable figures are 10 and 20 per cent, respectively). Notwithstanding the above, 3.6 per cent of the total number of votes cast are required for lists of single parties participating in the second distribution to be entitled to a second seat. Vacancies arising between general elections are filled by the unsuccessful candidates of the same party in the constituency concerned who received the highest number of preferential votes after the last successful candidate. Voting is compulsory; unjustified failure to vote is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Voter requirements - age: 18 - Cyprus citizenship, including naturalized citizens - residence in the country for at least six months prior to the elections - citizens overseas cannot vote - disqualifications: insanity, imprisonment, disfranchisement by court decision CANDIDATES Eligibility - qualified electors - age: 25 - Cyprus citizenship - there is no residence requirement - ineligibilities: conviction of an offence involving dishonesty or immorality, electoral offence Incompatibilities - minister - mayor - member of a municipal council - member of the armed or security forces - public or municipal office Candidacy requirements - party lists or individual candidatures possible - support of at least four registered electors, approved by the candidate - deposit of 250 Cyprus pounds, reimbursed if the candidate obtains votes equalling at least 1/3 of the electoral quota

Parliament name (generic / translated) Vouli Antiprosopon / House of Representatives Structure of parliament Unicameral BACKGROUND Dates of election / renewal (from/to) 22 May 2016 Timing and scope of renewal As in the previous elections, no party secured an outright majority and only two parties won more than 10 seats. The Democratic Rally (DISY), led by the present President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades, remained the largest force in the House of Representatives and won 18 of the 56 seats at stake (see note 1). The AKEL (Left) New Forces, led by AKEL leader Andros Kyprianou, came second. The National People's Front (ELAM), led by Mr. Christos Christou, entered parliament for the first time. The 2016 elections were the first to be held under President Anastasiades, who succeeded Mr. Demetris Christofias (AKEL) in 2013. Following the 2013 bailout received from the European Union, the IMF and the ECB, the country implemented a series of reforms and austerity plans. Both President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, elected in April 2015, have been advocating for reunification of the island as a federated State (see note 2). During the election campaigning, the major parties focused on reunification with Northern Cyprus and economic issues. Note 1: Elections were held for the 56 members of the House of Representatives representing the Greek-Cypriot community. The remaining 24 members are elected by the Turkish-Cypriot community. Those seats have been vacant since 1985. Note 2: A coup d'état in Cyprus on 15 July 1974 by Greek Cypriot and Greek elements favouring union with Greece was followed by military intervention by Turkey, whose troops established Turkish Cypriot control over the northern part of the island. A de facto ceasefire came into effect on 16 August 1974. Negotiations aim to achieve a solution for the unification of Cyprus based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation and political equality in accordance with pertinent resolutions of the United Nations. Date of previous elections: 22 May 2011 Timing of election: Upon normal expiry Expected date of next elections: May 2020 Number of seats at stake: 56 (full renewal)* *Elections were held for the 56 members of the House of Representatives representing the Greek-Cypriot community. The remaining 24 members are elected by the Turkish-Cypriot community (seats currently vacant). Number of candidates: 493 (385 men, 108 women) Percentage of women candidates: 16.2% Number of parties contesting the election: 18 Number of parties winning seats: 8 Alternation of power: No Date of the first session of the new parliament: 2 June 2016 Name of the new Speaker: Mr. Demetris Syllouris (Democratic Rally, DISY) STATISTICS Voter turnout Round no 1 22 May 2016 Number of registered electors Voters Blank or invalid ballot papers Valid votes 543'186 362'542 (66.74%) Notes Distribution of votes Round no 1 Political group Candidates Votes % of votes Democratic Rally (DISY) AKEL - Left - New Forces Democratic Party (DIKO) EDEK - Movement of Social Democrats Citizen's Alliance Solidality Movement Green Party - Citizen's Alliance National People's Front (ELAM) Distribution of seats Round no 1 Political Group Total of seats Democratic Rally (DISY) 18 AKEL - Left - New Forces 16 Democratic Party (DIKO) 9 EDEK - Movement of Social Democrats 3 Citizen's Alliance 3 Solidality Movement 3 Green Party - Citizen's Alliance 2 National People's Front (ELAM) 2 Distribution of seats according to sex Men Women Percent of women 45 11 19.64% Distribution of seats according to age Distribution of seats according to profession Comments Sources: House of Representatives (30.05.2016, 31.05.2016) http://live.elections.moi.gov.cy/English/PARLIAMENTARY_ELECTIONS_2016/Islandwide http://www.cna.org.cy http://cyprus-mail.com http://in-cyprus.com http://www.reuters.com Note on the distribution of seats according to sex: Initially, 11 women were elected in the 2016 elections. However, one of them, who is also a member of the European Parliament (EP), decided to keep her EP seat and was replaced by a male candidate of the same party. Consequently, the number of women decreased to 10 before the first session was held on 2 June.

Parliament name (generic / translated) Vouli Antiprosopon / House of Representatives Structure of parliament Unicameral APPOINTMENT AND TERM OF OFFICE Title President of the House of Representatives Term - duration: 5 years (term of House) - reasons for interruption of the term: written resignation, conviction of an offence involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, being disqualified by a competent court for any electoral offence, holder of another public office - death Appointment - elected by all the Members of the House at the first sitting after the elections, after members' mandates are validated and after they are sworn in Eligibility - any Member can be candidate, no formal notification is required Voting system - formal vote by public ballot ( show of hands) - possibility of organizing several rounds, maximum 3 - for the 1st ballot, 50% + 1 of those present and voting is required - for the second, 40% - for the third, the candidate who receives the largest number of votes is elected Procedures / results - the most senior Representative presides over the House during the voting - the presiding officer supervises the voting - the presiding officer announces the results without any delay - the results may be challenged STATUS Status - ranks second in the hierarchy after the President of the Republic, is the acting Head of State during the absence of the President of the Republic - represents the House with the public authorities - represents the House in international bodies - may preside over any committee, is ex officio president of the Committee of Selection - in the absence of the President of the House, the most senior Representative can assume his/her role and functions Board Material facilities - salary (CY£ 15.318) + expense allowance - official car - secretariat + additional staff - police protection FUNCTIONS Organization of parliamentary business - convenes sessions - establishes and modifies the agenda - organizes the debates and sets speaking time, within the limits of the Constitution and Rules of Procedure - refers texts to a committee for study - may propose the setting up of committees of enquiry Chairing of public sittings - can open, adjourn and close sittings - ensures respect for provisions of the Constitution and Standing Orders - may make announcements concerning the House - takes disciplinary measures in the event of disturbance, and lifts such measures - establishes the list of speakers, gives and withdraws permission to speak - establishes the order in which amendments are taken up and selects which amendments are to be debated, in conformity with the Rules of Procedure - calls for a vote, decides how it is to be carried out, verifies the voting procedure and cancels a vote in the event of irregularities, in conformity with the Rules of Procedure - checks the quorum - authenticates the adopted texts and the records of debates - may have discretionary power to give the floor outside the agenda and thus organizes impromptu debates Special powers - gives instructions for establishing the budget - organizes the services of Parliament Others powers : - is responsible for relations with foreign Parliaments - is responsible for safety, and in this capacity, can call the police in the event of disturbance in the Chamber Speaking and voting rights, other functions - takes the floor in legislative debates - provides guidelines for the interpretation or completion of the text under discussion - in practice, takes no part in voting, but may vote if so he/she so wishes - proposes bills or amendments - intervenes in the parliamentary oversight procedure

Parliament name (generic / translated) Vouli Antiprosopon / House of Representatives Structure of parliament Unicameral NATURE Nature of the mandate · Free representation Start of the mandate · When the MPs take the oath (see Art. 69 of the Constitution of 16.08.1960, as amended up to and including 21.11.1996). Proce-dure (Art. 69 of the Constitution, Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure). Validation of mandates · Validation by the Supreme Constitutional Court only in case of challenge (Art. 85 and 145 of the Constitution) · Procedure: End of the mandate · On the day when newly elected Representatives take the oath (Art. 65 (2) and 67 (2) of the Constitution; but see, for the power of the House after the end of the term of office or after dissolution, Art. 68 and 143 (1) of the Constitution) (for early dissolution, see Art. 67 of the Constitution) Can MPs resign? Yes · Of their own free will (see Art. 71 (b) of the Constitution) · Procedure (see Art. 71 (b) of the Constitution): submission of the written resignation to the President of the House · Authority competent to accept the resignation: the resignation does not need to be accepted Can MPs lose their mandate ? Yes (a) Loss of mandate for loss of eligibility (Art. 71 (c) in connection with Art. 64 (a), (c), and (d) of the Constitution) (b) Loss of mandate for incompatibilities (Art. 71 (d) in connection with Art. 70 of the Constitution) (c) Death (Art. 71 (a) of the Constitution) STATUS OF MEMBERS Rank in hierarchy · Within Parliament: 1. The President 2. The Party Leaders, according to the number of seats held by the party 3. The Party Parliamentary Spokesmen 4. The Chairmen of Parliamentary Committees 5. The other MPs, according to the length of their term of office in the House · Outside Parliament (Official Protocol of the Republic): the official order of precedence ranks the President of the House of Represen-tatives in the 3rd position, the Leaders or Representatives of politi-cal parties represented in the House in the 4th position, Party Par-liamentary Spokesmen in the 9th position, former Presidents of the House in the 10th position, and the other MPs in the 11th position. Indemnities, facilities and services · Diplomatic passport for members of the House Standing Commit-tee on Foreign Affairs and Representatives attending regularly meetings of international parliamentary organisations Basic salary (see Art. 84 of the Constitution): CYP 1,000 per month + Representation Allowance: CYP 600 per month · Total exemption from tax · Pension scheme (Pensions (President and Vice-President of the Republic, President and Vice-President of the House of Represen-tatives, Ministers and Members of the House of Representatives) Law of 1980) · Other facilities: (a) Secretariat: Secretariat Allowance: CYP 300 per month (b) Assistants (Art. 72 (4) of the Constitution, Rules 7, 9, and 10 of the Rules of Procedure) (c) Security guards for the President of the House and the Party Leaders, in special cases also for other MPs if circumstances make them necessary (d) Travel and transport Obligation to declare personal assets No Parliamentary immunity - parliamentary non-accountability · The concept does exist (Art. 83 (1) of the Constitution). · Parliamentary non-accountability is limited to words spoken or written by MPs and votes cast within Parliament. · Derogations: matters sub judice (Rule 28 of the Rules of Proce-dure), re-examination of any matter on which the House expressed an opinion during the current session (Rule 29 of the Rules of Pro-cedure), offence or insult (Art. 73 (9) of the Constitution, Rule 36 (c), in connection with Rule 8 (2) (b), and Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure, see Discipline) · Non-accountability takes effect on the day when the mandate be-gins and offers, after the expiry of the mandate, protection against prosecution for opinions expressed during the exercise of the man-date. Parliamentary immunity - parliamentary inviolability · The concept does exist (Art. 83 (2) of the Constitution). · It applies to criminal and civil proceedings, covers all offences and protects MPs from arrest and from being held in preventive cus-tody, from the opening of judicial proceedings against them and from their homes being searched. · Derogations: in cases of flagrante delicto, when the MP is taken in committing an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for five years or more, the MP can be arrested. Procedure (Art. 83 (2) of the Constitution). · Parliamentary inviolability does not prevent MPs from being called as witnesses before a judge or tribunal. · Parliamentary immunity (inviolability) can be lifted (Art. 83 (2) of the Constitution): - Competent authority: the High Court - Procedure (Art. 83 (3) and (4) of the Constitution). In this case, MPs need not be heard. They do have means of appeal. · Parliament cannot subject the prosecution and/or detention to cer-tain conditions. · Parliament cannot suspend the prosecution and/or detention of one of its members. EXERCISE OF THE MANDATE Training · There is no training/initiation process on parliamentary practices and procedures for MPs. · Handbook of parliamentary procedure: - Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives of the Repub-lic of Cyprus Participation in the work of the Parliament · It is compulsory for MPs to be present at plenary sittings and committee meetings (Rule 13 of the Rules of Procedure). · Penalties foreseen in case of failure to fulfil this obligation (Rules 15 and 19 of the Rules of Procedure): forfeiture of the right to re-ceive (the whole/half of the/a third of the) monthly Representation Allowance · Body competent to judge such cases/to impose penalties (Rules 16 to 18 of the Rules of Procedure): the Rules Observing Committee Discipline · The rules governing discipline within Parliament are contained in Art. 73 (9) of the Constitution, and Rules 8 (2) (a) and (b), 10, 27, 36 (c), and 58 of the Rules of Procedure. · Disciplinary measures foreseen: - Warning for irrelevance (Rule 8 (2) (b) and 27 of the Rules of Procedure) - Call to order (Rule 8 (2) (b) of the Rules of Procedure) · Specific cases: - Offence or insult (Art. 73 (9) of the Constitution, Rule 36 (c) in connection with Rule 8 (2) (b), and Rule 58 of the Rules of Proce-dure): call to order, refusal to allow the expounding of proposals framed with improper expressions, refusal to put those proposals to the vote · Competent body to judge such cases/to impose penalties (Rule 8 (2) (a) and 10 of the Rules of Procedure): - Warning for irrelevance, call to order (Rule 8 (2) (b) of the Rules of Procedure): the President - Offence or insult: the President, the House of Representatives The administrative clerks see that all directions of the President are carried out. · Procedure: - Warning for irrelevance (Rule 8 (2) (b) and 27 of the Rules of Procedure) - Call to order (Rule 8 (2) (b) of the Rules of Procedure) - Offence or insult (Art. 73 (9) of the Constitution, Rule 36 (c) in connection with Rule 8 (2) (b), and Rule 58 of the Rules of Proce-dure) Code (rules) of conduct · This concept does not exist in the country's juridical system but there are some relevant provisions (Art. 71 (d) in connection with Art. 70 of the Constitution). · Penalties foreseen for violation of the rules of conduct: loss of mandate (Art. 71 (d) in connection with Art. 70 of the Constitution; incompatibilities) · Competent body to judge such cases/to impose penalties: · Procedure Relations between MPs and pressure group · There are no legal provisions in this field.

This page was last updated on 22 August 2018
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