ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

The First Presidential Election in Cyprus: A Historic Milestone

In December 1959, Cyprus held its first presidential election, marking an important milestone in the country's journey towards independence. This historic event was a direct result of the Zurich-London agreements of February 1959, which paved the way for Cyprus to become a sovereign nation.

The electoral system used in this election was unique, with the President being directly elected by the people through universal and secret ballot. The President's term of office was five years, and if only one candidate applied for nomination, they were declared elected without a vote. However, when multiple candidates participated, the winner had to secure more than 50% of the valid votes.

In this first presidential election, two prominent figures vied for the top spot: Archbishop Makarios III, supported by EOKA (National Organization of Cypriot Fighters), and John Clerides, a member of AKEL (Confederation of Workers' and Peasants' Parties). Despite being from different backgrounds, both candidates shared a common goal – to lead Cyprus towards independence.

On December 13, 1959, the people of Cyprus cast their votes, with Archbishop Makarios III emerging victorious. He secured an impressive 67% of the vote, while John Clerides received around 33%. The high voter turnout was a testament to the country's enthusiasm for this historic event, with over 91.2% of eligible citizens participating in the election.

The outcome of the election marked a significant turning point in Cyprus' history. On August 16, 1960, Archbishop Makarios III took office as the first President of the Republic of Cyprus, marking the country's formal independence from British colonial rule. This milestone was made possible by the support of EOKA and other Cypriot organizations that fought for the nation's freedom.

Interestingly, a separate election for Vice-President of Cyprus took place on the same day, with Fazıl Küçük being elected unopposed as the Turkish Cypriot candidate. Despite this, the overall outcome of the presidential election was a resounding victory for Archbishop Makarios III and his vision for an independent Cyprus.

The 1959 presidential election in Cyprus set a precedent for future elections, demonstrating the country's commitment to democratic principles and its determination to build a new nation based on freedom, justice, and equality.