By Constantinos Psillides
ATHENS IS the only city abroad that for the time being meets the criteria of having a ballot box set up for the coming European Parliament elections for Cypriots to vote, said Interior Minister Socratis Hasikos on Monday.
Hasikos clarified that that may change by election day, as more and more register to vote.
“We decided that for a ballot box to be set up abroad, at least 150 people have to be registered,” said the minister, adding that the number of people showing up to register is disappointing. “We have to do more to generate interest. Both the government and the parties have to try and do more,” said Hasikos.
The interior minister was speaking to the press following a meeting with party representatives regarding public apathy over the coming elections. “Party involvement is helpful for find out how many people will vote. I hope we generate enough interest to get more ballot boxes set up abroad,” said the minister.
Hasikos assured the public that interior ministry staff will be ready for the elections.
Asked on the subject of Turkish Cypriot voters, Hasikos responded that all Turkish Cypriots over the age of 18 who have Republic of Cyprus identity cards are eligible to vote, even if they live in the north.
“We will set up ballot boxes in points near the crossings and provide them with the opportunity to vote, if they so wish,” he said.
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