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Cyprus elections rivals set for 'close race' Cyprus elections rivals in tight finish
(about 14 hours later)
Voting has ended in Cyprus' parliamentary elections, with opinion polls indicating a tight race between the two main rivals. The main opposition party has narrowly won Cyprus' parliamentary elections - though the governing party also increased its vote.
The Turkish-controlled north of the island did not take part. 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 has been one of the most lacklustre since Cyprus gained independence from Britain 51 years ago, our correspondent says. The election campaign was one of the most lacklustre since Cyprus gained independence from Britain 51 years ago, our correspondent says.
Although the unresolved reunification issue and the exposure of Cypriot banks to those in Greece have dominated public debate, the major parties have shied away from such contentious matters, focusing more on personalities than policies, she adds. Turnout was 78% - but this is regarded as low in a country where voting is compulsory.
Opinion polls are indicating a close race between traditional rivals the communist-rooted Akel and the conservative Disy parties. 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%.
Cypriot President Demitris Christofias relaunched talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat in 2008. 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.