Thank you for your email of 28 July to Lord Frost, about voting and candidacy rights of British nationals in Cyprus.
The Eastern Mediterranean Department has been asked to provide a response. We recognise that the continuation of voting and candidacy rights is of great importance to the British community in Cyprus. I understand you have been in touch with the British High Commissioner in Cyprus, Stephen Lillie, regarding this matter.
I would like to reiterate the High Commissioner’s reassurance that we continue to raise the issue of voting and candidacy rights of the British community in Cyprus at all appropriate opportunities, including at Ministerial level. The British High Commission will keep you and the British community in Cyprus updated on any progress.
An announcement is expected this week from the Cypriot Government as to whether there will be local elections in December. A possible official announcement may also be made on the voting situation regarding UK expats following loss of our voting rights in Cyprus due to Brexit. The clock is ticking if there are elections in December as the likely cut off point for registration for a vote will be 2 October. As it stands currently, UK expats do not have a vote in Cyprus elections.
If elections do not proceed in December, then it is anticipated that existing councils will remain in place, to facilitate the planned local Government re-organisation, until May 2024.
