1959 Cypriot Presidential Election

The 1959 Cypriot presidential election was the first presidential election held in Cyprus after the country declared independence from the United Kingdom.

Electoral System

The President of the Republic of Cyprus was elected directly by the people through a universal and secret ballot. The President's term of office was five years, commencing on the day of its establishment before the House of Representatives, where the elected president would give an oath of office.

In cases where only one candidate applied for nomination, they were declared elected President of the Republic of Cyprus without the need for a vote. However, when multiple candidates participated in the election, the candidate who secured more than 50% of the valid votes was declared elected. If no candidate achieved the required majority, a runoff election would be held between the two candidates who received the most votes within the next week.

Candidates

Two candidates contested the 1959 presidential election:

* Makarios III, an independent candidate supported by EOKA (Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston), which was a Greek Cypriot nationalist organization.
* Ioannis Clerides, a member of the Democratic Union and also supported by AKEL (Progressive Party of the Working People of Cyprus).

Results

The election took place on 13 December 1959. Makarios III emerged victorious, securing 67% of the valid votes.

References

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