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Cyprus elections rivals in tight finish | |
(about 14 hours later) | |
The main opposition party has narrowly won Cyprus' parliamentary elections - though the governing party also increased its vote. | |
The conservative Disy party took 34.27% of the vote, compared to 32.67% for the communist-rooted Akel party. | |
The Turkish-controlled north of the island did not take part in the vote. | |
The BBC's Tabitha Morgan in Nicosia says that, unusually, the question of how to reunite the island barely surfaced during the campaign. | The BBC's Tabitha Morgan in Nicosia says that, unusually, the question of how to reunite the island barely surfaced during the campaign. |
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish forces invaded the island in response to a Greek-led coup. | Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish forces invaded the island in response to a Greek-led coup. |
The election campaign was one of the most lacklustre since Cyprus gained independence from Britain 51 years ago, our correspondent says. | |
Turnout was 78% - but this is regarded as low in a country where voting is compulsory. | |
In the event, both main parties increased their share of the vote compared with the last poll in 2006 - Disy by 3.75% and Akel by 1.36%. | |
Analysts said this showed support for President Demitris Christofias - who led Akel for two decades - and the way he has handled reunification talks, remained steady. | |
It was thought Akel would be able to retain its parliamentary majority, even though its coalition partner, Diko, lost ground. | |
Progress elusive | |
President Christofias relaunched talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat in 2008. | |
But the talks have become bogged down and produced little in the way of real progress. | But the talks have become bogged down and produced little in the way of real progress. |
Mr Christofias's handling of Cyprus's struggling economy has also come under fierce criticism at home. | Mr Christofias's handling of Cyprus's struggling economy has also come under fierce criticism at home. |
Analysts say he will need a strong parliamentary majority to push through the difficult and unpopular decisions he will inevitably have to take in the months ahead. | Analysts say he will need a strong parliamentary majority to push through the difficult and unpopular decisions he will inevitably have to take in the months ahead. |