By Jean Christou and Andria Kades

Incumbent President Nicos Anastasiades on Sunday comfortably made it through to the second round of the presidential elections slated for February 4, garnering 35.5 per cent of the vote amid an election marred by voter abstention of 28.6 per cent.

He will be running against Akel-backed independent Stavros Malas who received 30.25 per cent. The results mean that the third main contender, Diko leader Nicolas Papadopoulos with 25.75 per cent is out of the running, which will be a relief for pro-solution Cypriots on both sides of the divide.

Judging by tweets from the north after the final results were known, Turkish Cypriots viewed the development as a vote by Greek Cypriots in favour of a bizonal bicommunal federation.

Though he had an early lead over Malas, the tide turned quickly for Papadopoulos in Pancyprian results, though the Diko leader won overwhelmingly in Paphos with 37.9 per cent of the vote compared with 27.1 per cent for Anastasiades and 24.01 per cent for Malas in the coastal town.

In conceding defeat, Papadopoulos’ spokeswoman Anna Prokopiou said: “I hope the people don’t regret today’s decision.”

After slamming both the Anastasiades and Malas camps during the run-up to elections, Prokopiou said she would let Papadopoulos announce if and who Diko would support in the second round.

Chryssis Pantelides, a Papadopoulos senior staffer later tweeted: “I thank the citizens that support Nicolas Papadopoulos. I thank the hundreds of volunteers and party staffers for the long and hard pre-election activity. The decision of the people is completely respected. I hope they never regret it.”

At Akel headquarters in Nicosia, the party’s general-secretary Andros Kyprianou thanked “tens of thousands” of Akel voters and everyone else that voted for Malas. “Today’s votes paved the way for a brighter future,” in the form of Malas who can bring about a solution to the Cyprus problem and an improved economy with the average person and middle class in mind, he said. “Cyprus can change direction and move forward [with Malas),” who will clamp down on corruption.

A total of 71.4 per cent of voters cast their ballot on Sunday. During the last presidential race in 2013, voter turnout was 83.14, which was considered low at the time. Parliamentary elections in 2016 only had a voter turnout of 66.74 per cent as Cypriots appear to be less interested in politics as each election comes round. Turnout in Nicosia was 72 per cent, Limassol 69 per cent, Famagusta and Larnaca both 71 per cent, Paphos 74 per cent and Overseas 71 per cent.

The two leading candidates to emerge from Sunday’s election will have to seek support from the seven other candidates but in reality, this means the two with a significant voter base, Citizens’ Alliance leader Giorgos Lillikas and far-right Elam who garnered 2.17 per cent and 5.6 per cent respectively. The other four independents took less than 1 per cent of the vote between them.

Earlier polls have shown that in a run-off, Anastasiades would win against either Papadopoulos or Malas. The real battle on Sunday was always going to for the second-place contender but even exit polls had given Malas the edge before the official count even began.

Initial official results on Sunday showed Malas and Papadopoulos neck and neck with just over 20 per cent of the votes counted but the former pulled ahead quickly and maintained the 5 per cent lead over Papadopoulos that was forecast in the exit polls. Diko’s Pantelides had at the time told Cybc, it’s exit poll would be proved wrong.

Noteworthy was the fact that Elam’s Christos Christou took twice the votes of Lillikas who is likely hoping to trade his votes with one of the two contenders on February 4, for a ministerial position. Malas has already stated categorically that he would not be seeking the support of Elam between the first and second rounds. He is the only candidate to pledge this.

An Elam spokesman, after the exit polls, thanked those who voted for Christou. “Abstention has been the real victor in the elections and that should concern all candidates. The fault lies with those that have governed and those that supported them,” the spokesman said.

While it was known from earlier polling that Anastasiades would have a comfortable lead, the real battle was whether he would go through to the second round against Malas or Papadopoulos.

According to polls, in an Anastasiades-Malas showdown, the incumbent would take 39.9 per cent against his opponent’s 26.6 per cent.

Polling stations abroad overall gave Malas 40.8 per cent on Sunday to Anastasiades’ 31.8 per cent.

Deputy spokesman Victoras Papadopoulos said: “Anastasiades is the change people need. After five difficult years we have reached a point where development, safety and security are visible as opposed to the five years in 2008 and 2013. The ‘next day’ dilemma is unity. We believe, President Nicos Anastasiades has proven he can achieve unity in the sector of modernising the state and Cyprus problem.”

Akel spokesman Stefanos Stefanou said irrespective of the results, voters wanted change. “Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots should be the true ‘afendies’ (leaders) of the country,” he said.</s>Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, supported by right-wing party Democratic Rally, and communist AKEL-backed Stavros Malas will contest the run-off of the presidential election on the island, after the first round on Sunday showed Malas performing better than expected.

 

 With 100 percent of the votes counted across the Republic of Cyprus, Anastasiades garnered 35.5 percent, Malas collected 30.24 percent, centrist DIKO president Nikolas Papadopoulos took 25.74 percent, far-right candidate Christos Christou had 5.65 percent and center-left Citizens' Alliance president Giorgos Lillikas got 2.18 percent.

 

 The second round of the election is scheduled for next Sunday, February 4.

 

 Turnout for the first round was unusually low for a presidential election, at around 72 percent, against 83 percent in the previous election five years ago. Observers said the turnout was reminiscent of a parliamentary election, not a presidential poll that traditionally has a greater participation.

 

 Opinion polls before the first round had shown that in case Anastasiades and Malas were to contest the second round, Anastasiades would win by a margin of more than 12 percentage points.

 

 On the Cyprus question both Anastasiades and Malas favor the resumption of talks with the Turkish side under the auspices of the United Nations, with an aim for a bizonal, bicommunal federation. The other three candidates were against such a solution.</s>The race for president in Cyprus will go to a runoff vote after incumbent conservative Nicos Anastasiades won the first round but failed to muster an outright majority in a poll overshadowed by high abstention.

With all of the votes counted, Anastasiades on Sunday secured 35.5 percent, ahead of his closest rival Stavros Malas, an independent candidate backed by the left-wing AKEL party, on 30.2 percent.

Centrist Nicos Papadopoulos came third with 25.7 percent.

Ahead of the vote, opinion polls had suggested a tight race between Malas and Papadopoulos.

Anastasiades and Malas will now contest the runoff vote on Sunday, February 4, in a repeat of the last presidential elections in 2013.

 Supporters of Anastasiades waved Cypriot and Greek flags [Dimitris Sideridis/Al Jazeera]

 Jubilant scenes

At Anastasiades’s campaign headquarters in central Nicosia, supporters draped in Cypriot, Greek and party flags chanted slogans as their leader arrived.

“I’m here to express my gratitude for all your support, so that the people give us a clear mandate that will secure [our victory]next Sunday,” Anastasiades, 71, told the gathered crowd.

Christodoulos, a 26-year-old supporter of Anastasiades, said he was “very satisfied” with the result.

“I hope the same happens a week from now so that the country moves forward. We don’t want to return to the past,” he told Al Jazeera. “Young people want a modern and unified Cyprus.”

 Malas was greeted by hundreds of cheering supporters [Dimitris Sideridis/Al Jazeera]

But spirits were even higher a few kilometres further south, at Malas’s campaign headquarters, where hundreds of people of all ages couldn’t hide their enthusiasm.

“The people have spoken,” Malas, 50, told the cheering supporters waving Cypriot flags. “A new social majority is now expressing its will for a real, creative and hopeful change.”

 READ MORE

 All you need to know about Cyprus presidential election

“It’s a triumph,” he told Al Jazeera. “Malas, an independent candidate of the left, had five parties against him,” he added.

“If the right political moves are now made in order to convince the rest of the population, then he will be the next president.”

 Malas’s supporters flooded his election campaign headquarters [Dimitris Sideridis/Al Jazeera]

 ‘No vision’

Yet enthusiasm was less palpable outside the venues packed with party faithful.

Sunday’s vote was marked by a record low turnout: 28.1 percent, up 12 percentage points compared with the 2013 poll.

Christophoros Christophorou, a political analyst based in Nicosia, said the high abstention level signified that “the disengagement of voters had become structural” as frustration over empty promises and corruption grows.

“People also don’t see anything promising for the future in the candidates’ proposals,” he told Al Jazeera.

“There’s no vision – it’s promises and promises offered free of charge, meaning without budgeting and without politicians convincing people that it’s possible to realise what they are proposing.”

 Nine male candidates were standing in the presidential race [Dimitis Sideridis/Al Jazeera]

 All eyes on alliances

In all, nine male candidates were standing in the presidential race for the five-year presidency.

The top two contenders are now expected to enter frantic discussions to win over the candidates who were knocked out in round one.

“For one to make it to the presidential palace, they need [to form]an alliance in the second round,” said Christophorou.

This, he noted, could modify the frontrunners’ political platforms in a number of issues, including the long-running Cyprus problem.

A small Mediterranean island, Cyprus has been divided along ethnic lines since 1974, when Turkish troops seized its northern third in response to an Athens-inspired Greek Cypriot coup, aimed at uniting it with Greece.

Unsurprisingly, the presidential election campaign was dominated by the Cyprus problem, especially after the collapse of the latest round of peace talks in July 2017.

Both Anastasiades and Malas openly support a solution based on the principles of a bizonal, bicommunal federation (BBF). They say they will seek to revive negotiations if elected, in contrast to Papadopoulos who put forward a number of prerequisites and conditions during the election campaign.

Now, the runoff between Anastasiades and Malas “may mean the resumption of talks will not be delayed”, provided that the Turkish Cypriot side would also be willing to re-enter negotiations, said Christophorou.

“However, things will depend on what kind of alliances we will see,” he cautioned.

“This might influence their positions or their handling of the Cyprus issue.”

Another major issue topping voters’ concerns has been the state of the economy.

In March 2013, Cyprus reached a deal to secure an emergency international rescue package to shore up its ailing banking sector and avert financial meltdown.

It successfully concluded its multi-billion-dollar bailout programme three years later.

Malas has been criticised for being part of the AKEL 2008-2013 government which is blamed by many Cypriots for the economic malaise of recent years.

In a widely anticipated move, he is expected to announce who would be the finance minister in a cabinet formed by him by Wednesday.</s>Nicosia, Republic of Cyprus - The race for president in Cyprus is heading towards a runoff after incumbent conservative Nicos Anastasiades won the first round but failed to muster an outright majority in a poll overshadowed by high abstention.

With 98.7 percent of Sunday's votes counted, Anastasiades secured 35.5 percent, ahead of his closest rival Stavros Malas, an independent candidate backed by the left-wing AKEL party, on 30.3 percent.

Centrist Nicos Papadopoulos was third with 25.6 percent, followed by Christos Christou of the far-right party ELAM, who received a 5.7 percent share of the vote.

Anastasiades and Malas will seek a fixed five-year term in the runoff held on February 4.

Abstention hit its highest-ever level in a presidential election, exceeding 28 percent, up 12 percentage points compared to the last such vote in 2013.

Christophoros Christophorou, a political analyst based in Cyprus's capital, Nicosia, said the low turnout signified that "the disengagement of voters had become structural" amid growing frustration over empty promises and corruption allegations.

"People also don't see in the candidates' proposals anything which is promising for the future," he told Al Jazeera.

"There's no vision - it's promises and promises which are offered free of charge, meaning without budgeting and without politicians convincing people that it's possible to realise what they are proposing."

In all, nine male candidates were standing in the presidential race.

The election campaign has been dominated by the long-running Cyprus problem, following the collapse of the latest round of peace talks in July 2017.

Cyprus, a small Mediterranean island, has been divided along ethnic lines since 1974, when Turkish troops seized its northern third in response to an Athens-inspired Greek Cypriot coup, aimed at uniting it with Greece.

Both Anastasiades and Malas support a solution based on the principles of a bizonal, bicommunal federation (BBF), and have said they will seek to kickstart negotiations if elected. In contrast, Papadopoulous puts forward a number of prerequisites and conditions.

Christophorou said the runoff between Anastasiades and Malas "may mean the resumption of talks will not be delayed", provided that the Turkish Cypriot side would also be willing to re-enter negotiations.

"However, things will depend on what kind of alliances we will see because for one to make it to the presidential palace, they need will the support of other parties," he added.

"This can modify their political platform and might influence their positions or their handling of the Cyprus issue."

The state of the economy has also topped voters' concerns. In 2013, Cyprus clinched a deal to secure an emergency international rescue package, to shore up its ailing banking sector and avert financial meltdown.

It successfully concluded its multi-billion-dollar bailout programme three years later.</s>Anastasiades leading with 38 percent to 42 percent of the vote, followed by Malas with 27-31 percent

A presidential election exit poll by Cyprus’ state broadcaster shows incumbent President Nicos Anastasiades facing a runoff with independent candidate Stavros Malas, who’s backed by the communist AKEL party.

 The exit poll released by broadcaster RIK when voting ended Sunday showed Anastasiades leading with 38 percent to 42 percent of the vote, followed by Malas with 27-31 percent.

 Nicholas Papadopoulos, leader of the centre-right DIKO party and son of Cyprus’ late President Tassos Papadopoulos, trailed in third place with 21.5 percent to 24.5 percent.

Candidates needed a majority of the votes cast to avoid a runoff election on Feb. 4.

 Malas has criticised Anastasiades for not reaching a deal with the leader of Cyprus’ breakaway Turkish Cypriots to reunify the ethnically split island.</s>Incumbent Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades was the top finisher on Sunday’s first round of presidential elections, but failed to garner a majority of votes needed to avoid a runoff.

The conservative leader will face Stavros Malas, an independent candidate backed by Communist party AKEL, in a runoff on Feb. 4. Mr. Anastasiades was leading all the opinion polls in the run-up to the vote. He said that this second 5-year term in office would be his last if he is re-elected.</s>After a long day with lots of stats and figures, a picture is worth a thousand words so let’s have a look at some of today’s developments in photos. If some candidates appear more than others, it purely coincidental and based on photographic appeal. There’s no order of preference.

President Nicos Anastasiades and Akel backed independent Stavros Malas have passed on to the second round of elections with a marginal difference. They were greeted at their respective campaign headquarters amidst cheers, chants and rounds of handshakes.

Meanwhile, Malas’ HQ were equally loud and cheery, particularly as polls were indecisive as to whether he or his rival Diko leader and candidate Nicolas Papadopoulos would make it to the second round

Malas with his wife and Androulla Vassiliou, wife of former President George Vassiliou on either side of him

Malas trying to get through the crowd

Abstention rate has been high and reports from polling stations suggest that turnout has largely been comprised of the older generation of voters, given youth apathy about the elections.

Communications teams must have really stressed the importance of attending with children. Perhaps it will warm voters’ hearts. This is incumbent President Nicos Anastasiades surrounded by his grandchildren.

Anastasiades gives the thumbs up in what he hopes is prophetic for Sunday’s second and final round

Ladies first? Not for Diko leader and candidate Nicolas Papadopoulos apparently

Malas’ wife casts her vote as someone holds on to the ballot box for some reason.

Shout out for Disy leader Averof Neophytou who held his wife Maria’s hand

Citizens’ Alliance leader Giorgos Lillikas and his wife have strangely pained smiles right before they vote. Any guesses whose name they ticked?

Anastasiades nailing his side smile speaking from presidential palace after results revealed he was going to the second round

Church CEO – oops, sorry Archbishop Chrysostomos had to cast his vote and say the church will support whoever is elected

The rule stipulating not more than one person can enter a booth was violated by candidates because kids always look good for the cameras. Papadopoulos wasn’t the only one to be fair though, Anastasiades did the same thing

This woman apparently asked Anastasiades for help to renovate her house. You have to grab your chance while you can to be fair.</s>Incumbent President Nicos Anastasiades was leading in the presidential election on Sunday, exit polls showed, but failed to clinch an outright majority, which will lead to a runoff on February 4.

An exit poll for public broadcaster Cybc put Anastasiades in the lead with between 38 and 42 percent of the vote, followed by Akel-backed backed independent Stavros Malas who garnered between 27 and 31 per cent.

Diko’s Nicolas Papadopoulos was seen taking between 21.5 and 24.5 percent of the vote. The poll was based on an 80 per cent sample. In the same poll Citizens’ Alliance Giorgos Lillikas came in with 1-3 per cent and far-right Elam’s Christos Christou with 4-6 per cent.

Exit polls by four other channels produced similar results though only Cybc had Anastasiades over the 40 per cent mark in the higher margin though ANT 1 and Alpha put the incumbent as high as 39 per cent. Anastasiades scored lowest on the Sigmalive poll of between 32 and 36 per cent.

Noteworthy was the fact that Christos Christou took three times the votes of Lillikas in all of the exit polls. A spokesman said the party thanked those who voted for them. “Abstention has been the real victor in the elections and that should concern all candidates. The fault lies with those that have governed and those that supported them,” the spokesman said.

A total of 71.4 per cent of voters cast their ballot. In 2013, the number was 83.14. Parliamentary elections in 2016 had a voter turnout of 66.74 per cent.

While it was known from earlier polling that Anastasiades would have a comfortable lead, the real battle was whether he would go through to the second round against Akel-backed candidate Stavros Malas or Diko’s Nicolas Papadopoulos but Papadopoulos’ chief staffer Chrysis Pantelides told Cybc their exit poll would be proved wrong.

Earlier polls have shown that in the run-off, Anastasiades is forecast to win the contest with either opponents. In an Anastasiades-Papadopoulos showdown, the president would take 37.3 per cent of the vote and Papadopoulos 26.7 per cent. Against Malas Anastasiades would take 39.9 per cent against his opponent’s 26.6 per cent.

Malas has stated categorically that he would not be seeking the support of Elam between the first and second round of voting – the only candidate to do so.</s>Cypriots living abroad, who voted in today’s presidential elections in their country of abode, showed a preference for Stavros Malas, who ran as an independent candidate, backed by the main opposition Akel.

Malas got 40.81% of the votes cast in all 15 countries abroad where Cypriots voted.

Incumbent President Nicos Anastasiades got 31.78% of the vote and Democratic Party leader Nicolas Papadopoulos trailed behind with 20.86%.

Malas’ biggest percentage was recorded in Bulgaria with 74.77%, while Anastasiades’ largest overseas percentage was registered in Qatar with 43.37%.

Malas was favourite in European countries with higher percentages in Belgium, the UK, Greece, Sweden, The Netherlands, Germany, France, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.

Anastasiades was first in the USA, Qatar, UAE, Bahrein and Saudi Arabia.

Anastasiades and Malas received 14 votes each, in one ballot box, a percentage of 34.15%.

Christos Christou of ELAM and Yiorgos Lillikas of the Citizens’ Alliance ranked fourth and fifth respectively.

Candidates Michalis Mina, President of the Justice Party, Charis Aristidou, Andreas Efstratiou and Christakis Kapiliotis also received votes from overseas Cypriots.</s>ATHENS (Reuters) - Incumbent Nicos Anastasiades was leading Cyprus’s presidential election on Sunday, exit polls showed, but is likely to fall short of an outright majority and face a run-off on Feb. 4.

An exit poll for public broadcaster CyBC put Anastasiades in the lead with between 38 percent and 42 percent of the vote, followed by left-wing independent Stavros Malas on 27-31 percent.

Centrist Nikolas Papadopoulos was seen taking between 21.5 percent and 24.5 percent of the vote. The poll was based on an 80 percent sample.

Other stations gave a mixed picture, suggesting the vote was too close to call.

The two leading candidates to emerge from Sunday’s election will have to seek support from the seven other candidates ahead of the Feb. 4 run-off vote.
Incumbent Nicos Anastasiades wins the first round of the election, but is well short of an absolute majority required to win outright. He will face his rival from the 2013 election, Stavros Malas, in the second round.