A total of 10,031 new voters had applied to be added to the electoral roll for the upcoming elections as of Thursday, head of the elections service Menelaos Vassiliou said on Friday.

He said the total number of eligible voters stood at 561,000 as of January 1, though this figure includes deceased individuals. The final number of voters for the parliamentary elections on May 24 will be determined after April 16.

Vassiliou noted that a number of Cypriot voters abroad have submitted both applications to be added to the electoral roll and requests to vote from abroad, which must now be reviewed.

“There are cases where individuals have submitted declarations to exercise their right to vote abroad while also applying for registration on the electoral roll. These registrations must first be clarified and then allocated by electoral district in Cyprus and by city abroad,” he said.

He added that between January 2 and April 1, around 6,000 registered voters submitted declarations to vote abroad. Polling stations are expected to be set up in Athens, Thessaloniki, London and Brussels.

According to Vassiliou, district administrations have already begun processing the lists and will submit the finalised version by April 6. The lists will then be subject to a 10-day objection period, in line with legislation.

Applications to vote abroad can be submitted electronically via the elections service website or in person at embassies and consulates of the Republic of Cyprus.

Registrations are also accepted at district administration offices, citizen service centres, post offices and the interior ministry.

Polling stations on May 24 will be open from 7am to 6pm.