Shaping a New Cypriot Political System

The upcoming parliamentary elections in 2026 are expected to shape a new political system in Cyprus, however, the system's ability to overcome the current crisis remains doubtful. The election campaign reveals a disconnect between the parties and the real problems of society, with a lack of political ideas and visions for the future. The international situation, full of uncertainty, exacerbates the situation, while the political leadership fails to meet the expectations of citizens. The traditional parties, such as DISY, AKEL, DIKO, and EDEK, are in decline, according to polls and public sentiment. At the same time, there is a rise of the far-right with ELAM, as well as the emergence of the new party ALMA, led by Odysseus Michaelides, which appears to be gathering significant support. ELAM is emerging as a force destabilizing the political system, while ALMA has the potential to take third place in the elections, challenging DIKO's dominance. The rise of ELAM is interpreted as a result of conflicting interests within the right-wing faction. Despite its wear and tear, DISY is expected to maintain its leadership, while AKEL seeks to challenge its hegemony. The political situation in Cyprus is characterized by fluidity and uncertainty, with the elections being a critical turning point for the country's future.