Cyprus Election: Far-Right Elam Party’s Rise

In a significant development, the far-right Elam party, drawing inspiration from Greece's neo-Nazi Golden Dawn, emerged as the biggest winner in Cyprus' parliamentary election. Securing 10.9% of the vote, Elam doubled its seats in the 56-member legislature, becoming the third-largest force.

This outcome, according to electoral expert Christoforos Christoforou, gives Elam an increased role in shaping legislation. The party achieved its strategic goal, displacing the long-standing centrist Democratic party, Diko, from its position.

The election results have profound implications for the political landscape of Cyprus, the easternmost state in the EU. While anti-corruption campaigners and social media influencers gained seats, centrist groups, including the veteran left-wing EDEK, suffered a historic defeat, failing to meet the threshold for parliamentary representation.

The election was seen as a barometer of public sentiment for the presidency, the seat of executive power. Despite predictions of a decline, the right-wing Disy and communist Akel parties maintained their ground, with Disy emerging as the frontrunner. This performance is interpreted as a victory, positioning Disy favorably for the 2028 presidential elections.

The rise of Elam has raised concerns, with the party's anti-immigrant and anti-Turkish stance mirroring Golden Dawn's ideology. Unlike Golden Dawn, Elam has refrained from political violence, but its growing influence is a matter of debate, especially with President Nikos Christodoulides' government embracing a tough stance on immigration.

The election outcome has set the stage for a potential alliance between Christodoulides and Elam, a prospect that has drawn attention from the European center-right. The future of Cyprus' political landscape remains uncertain, with the far-right's growing influence and the implications it holds for the country's governance and international relations.