Polling stations in all districts in the southern government controlled areas of the Republic closed at 1800 local time (1600 GMT) for the local authorities’ elections, Chief Returning Officer Andreas Assiotis has announced. Speaking after the closing of the polling stations, Assiotis said that now begins the second phase of the elections, the selection and the counting of the ballots.

Assiotis said that the counting of the ballots will take place at the polling stations, with the exception of some ballot boxes that concern communities in the northern Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus (divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion). Results for the post of mayors are expected to be announced by 2200.

Turnout in municipal elections has been lower compared to the 2006 local elections, Chief Returning Officer Andreas Assiotis has said, adding that turnout in Nicosia was 66% compared to 82% in the local elections of 2006.

In statements here today, Assiotis said that turnout in Limassol reached 65% compared to 86% in 2006, in Famagusta 80% compared to 87% in 2006, 71% in Larnaka compared to 84% in 2006 and turnout in Paphos reached 83% compared to 86% in 2006.

Assiotis said that turnout is significantly low in all areas except Paphos, and that in Nicosia and Limassol the turnout is very low.