Anti-Israel parties, far-right gain in Greek Cypriot elections

The Greek Cypriot Administration's parliamentary elections on Sunday delivered gains to parties critical of Israel and the far-right National Popular Front (ELAM), signaling a shift in the political landscape of the divided island.

Anti-Israel sentiment drives left-wing gains

The Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) reversed its electoral decline dating back to 2011, increasing its vote share to 23.9 percent from 22.3 percent in the previous contest while retaining its 15 seats in the 56-member legislature. The left-wing party has drawn attention for criticizing the transformation of the Greek Cypriot Administration into Israel's 'backyard,' a stance that resonated with voters amid growing tensions over Israeli property purchases in the south.

Social media personality Fidias Panayiotou's Direct Democracy Cyprus Party also entered parliament with four seats after securing 5.4 percent of the vote. Panayiotou has built a following through strong criticism of Israeli investors acquiring property in the Greek Cypriot Administration, with his anti-Israel platform attracting particular support among younger voters.

Far-right doubles representation

The far-right National Popular Front (ELAM) emerged as another major winner, doubling its parliamentary presence from four to eight seats after capturing 10.9 percent of the vote. The party advocates for the direct union of Cyprus with Greece and maintains a hardline stance against federal settlement talks regarding the island's division, with observers noting its growing influence could reshape the 2028 presidential race.

Although the center-right Democratic Rally Party (DISY) remained the largest force with 27.1 percent of the vote, ELAM's surge has sparked debate across both the Greek Cypriot Administration and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) regarding a potential fundamental realignment within the Greek Cypriot right. The results suggest a fragmentation of the traditional right-wing bloc that has dominated politics since the 2004 Annan Plan referendum.

President's allies fail to cross threshold

President Nikos Christodoulides expressed disappointment after two center-right parties that support his administration narrowly failed to enter parliament, according to the Cyprus Times. The Democratic Alignment (DIPA) and the Movement for Social Democracy (EDEK) both fell short of the electoral threshold by only a few hundred votes, depriving the president of valuable legislative allies in the 56-seat House of Representatives.

The center-right Democratic Rally Party (DISY) secured 27.1 percent of the vote to remain the largest parliamentary force, though the overall shift toward anti-Israel and nationalist platforms has altered the balance of power. The new legislature will hold its first session later this month with AKEL holding 15 seats, ELAM holding eight, and Panayiotou's party holding four.