Cyprus presidential vote goes to second round after neither candidate secures majority
- Former foreign minister Nikos Christodoulides or diplomat Andreas Mavroyiannis need 50 per cent plus one to succeed President Nicos Anastasiades
- Voters appeared concerned about a cash-for-passports scandal and the pressures of irregular migration on public resources
Cyprus’s former foreign minister Nikos Christodoulides faces career diplomat Andreas Mavroyiannis in a second round of presidential elections next week after neither secured a majority of the vote on Sunday.
The winner needs 50 per cent plus one to succeed two-term President Nicos Anastasiades.
Pre-poll favourite Christodoulides is leading a close-fought contest with 32.04 per cent of the vote, followed by Mavroyiannis with 29.58 per cent.
“Today, Cyprus spoke. It spoke clearly,” Christodoulides said late on Sunday. “I’m ready to take on this great responsibility.”
“I remain true to my position for a government of broad acceptance. We don’t rule anyone out,” he said.
Averof Neofytou’s future as leader of the governing conservative party DISY looks shaky after he trailed in third place with 26.11 per cent of the vote.
Despite being endorsed by the incumbent, the seasoned politician is the first DISY candidate not to progress from the first round in the party’s history.