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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 Yiannakis L. Omirou (M)  Notes Elected on 2 June 2011. Secretary General Socrates Socratous (M)  COMPOSITION Members (statutory / current number) 80 / 56 PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN More statistics  >>> Women (current number) 6 (10.71%) 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 2011 (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 2011 Timing and scope of renewal Elections were held for the 56 members of the House of Representatives representing the Greek-Cypriot community on the normal expiry of their term of office. The 2011 elections were the tenth to be held since the Republic of Cyprus was established in 1960. The country has been divided between the north - inhabited by Turkish Cypriots - and the south - dominated by Greek Cypriots - since 1974, when Turkey invaded the island in response to a Greek-backed military coup. In 1983, the north declared itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognized only by Turkey. In the previous elections held in May 2006 for the 56 seats reserved for the Greek Cypriot community (see note 1), the parties in the ruling coalition took 38 seats and the opposition Democratic Rally (DISY) won the remainder. The ruling coalition comprised the Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL, 18 seats), the Democratic Party (DIKO, 11 seats), the Movement of Social Democrats (EDEK, five seats) the European Party (EK, three seats) and the Ecologists-Environmentalists Movement (Cyprus Green Party or KOP, one seat). In June, Mr. Demetris Christofias (AKEL) was re-elected Speaker. In February 2008, Speaker Christofias - a native of a village in northern Cyprus - won the presidential elections, having pledged to end the division of the island. Mr. Marios Garoyian (DIKO) succeeded him as Speaker. President Christofias formed a coalition government comprising the AKEL, the DIKO and the EDEK. Upon assuming the post, he started talks with Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat (Turkish Republican Party, CTP). President Christofias' proposals for a federal State included the rotation of the presidency between the two communities (see note 2). In February 2010, the EDEK withdrew from the coalition government, criticizing the President for making unilateral concessions in reference to the proposed rotation. The negotiations made slow progress over property rights and territorial limits, then stalled after the April 2010 presidential elections in Northern Cyprus, in which Mr. Dervis Eroglu of the pro-independence National Unity Party was elected. In February 2011, the House of Representatives voted to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Partnership for Peace programme, the final step for Cyprus to join NATO. The DISY, the DIKO, the EDEK and the EK supported the resolution. However, President Christofias (AKEL) vetoed it, stating that such membership was not in line with his vow to achieve a peace deal with Turkish Cypriots. The DIKO, led by Speaker Garoyian, criticized its coalition partner, deeming the President's veto unconstitutional (see note 3). The EDEK criticized the President for not respecting the decision of the House of Representatives. AKEL leader Andros Kyprianou defended the President's decision, arguing that the 1974 military intervention had been executed by NATO. Prior to the 2011 elections, Cyprus had recorded slow economic growth and rising unemployment. The AKEL-led government had reduced the number of civil servants by 2 per cent since December 2010. In January 2011, the government introduced a five per cent value-added tax (VAT) on food and beverages, excluding spirits, wines and soft drinks. In all, 406 candidates from 10 parties and six independents were running (see note 4). Mr. Kyprianou's AKEL and Speaker Garoyian's DIKO were challenged by the DISY, led by Mr. Nicos Anastasiades. AKEL leader Kyprianou lauded the President's efforts in the reunification talks. The AKEL pledged to continue to work for unity, dignity and prosperity of the people "for the future of Cyprus and the Cyprus of the future". The AKEL criticized the DIKO for aligning with opposition parties on the parliamentary resolution on NATO. Speaker Garoyian (DIKO) argued that the DIKO's participation in government did not affect its political independence. President Christofias encouraged voters to turn out massively, urging them not to "let others decide" for them. DISY leader Anastasiades criticized the President for worsening the country's economy. He argued that the country should invest more in the private sector by privatizing several governmental organizations. On the eve of polling day, on 21 May, the government announced that it had struck a multi-million euro deal with Qatar to develop real estate in the capital, Nicosia. The DISY qualified the announcement as electorally-motivated. The government rebutted that the DISY was fantasizing. Although voting is compulsory, only 78.7 per cent of the 531,000 registered voters turned out at the polls in 2011, down from 89 per cent in 2006. Since 2006, Turkish Cypriots living in the south have been allowed to vote and stand for election. In 2011, 544 persons registered to vote, up from 270 recorded in 2006. The opposition DISY became the largest force in the newly elected House of Representatives, winning 20 seats, one more than the AKEL. The DIKO and the EDEK took nine and five seats respectively and the EK and KOP took two and one seat each. In all, six women were elected. On 2 June, the newly elected House of Representatives held its first session and elected Mr. Yiannakis Omirou (EDEK) as its new Speaker. Note 1: According to Article 62.1 of the 1960 Constitution, the statutory number of members of the House of Representatives is 50, of whom 35 (70%) are elected by the Greek Cypriot community and 15 seats (30%) by the Turkish Cypriot community. The latter withdrew from the institutions of central government in 1963, leaving the 15 seats vacant ever since. In 1985, the statutory number of members of the House was raised to 80, of which 56 are reserved for the Greek Cypriot community and 24 for the Turkish Cypriot community (currently vacant). Note 2: Under the 1960 Constitution, the post of President is reserved for a Greek Cypriot while that of Vice-President is reserved for a Turkish Cypriot (vacant since 1963). Note 3: Article 50-1 (a) of the Constitution, stipulates that "The President and the Vice-President of the Republic, separately or conjointly, shall have the right of final veto on any law or decision of the House of Representatives or any part thereof concerning - (a) foreign affairs, except the participation of the Republic in international organisations and pacts of alliance in which the Kingdom of Greece and the Republic of Turkey both participate." http://www.cyprus.gov.cy/portal/portal.nsf/All/5136F7B14D7F6885C2256FD5003BD099?OpenDocument Note 4: In addition, nine others registered to represent the Maronite, Latin and Armenian communities, which have observer status at the House of Representatives. STATISTICS Voter turnout Round no 1 22 May 2011 Number of registered electors Voters Blank or invalid ballot papers Valid votes 531'463 418'247 (78.7%) 13'670 404'577 Notes Distribution of votes Round no 1 Political group Candidates Votes % of votes Democratic Rally (DISY) 138'682 34.28 Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL) 132'171 32.67 Democratic Party (DIKO) 63'763 15.76 Movement of Social Democrats (EDEK) 36'113 8.93 European Party (EK) 15'711 3.88 Cyprus Green Party (KOP) 8'960 2.21 Distribution of seats Round no 1 Political Group Total of seats Gain/Loss Democratic Rally (DISY) 20 2 Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL) 19 1 Democratic Party (DIKO) 9 -2 Movement of Social Democrats (EDEK) 5 0 European Party (EK) 2 -1 Cyprus Green Party (KOP) 1 0 Distribution of seats according to sex Men Women Percent of women 50 6 10.71% Distribution of seats according to age Distribution of seats according to profession Comments Sources: House of Representatives (27.05.2011) http://live.elections.moi.gov.cy/English http://www.robert-schuman.eu/doc/oee/oee-693-en.pdf http://www.cyprus.gov.cy http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/cyprus/76198 http://www.akel.org.cy/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=7808&tt=graphic&lang=l3

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 17 August 2011
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