1978 Cypriot Presidential Election

Background

The 1978 presidential election in Cyprus was scheduled to take place in February 1978. Following the death of Makarios III on 3 August 1977, shortly before the end of his constitutional term, he was replaced by Spyros Kyprianou, who took office as acting President and also served as the President of the House of Representatives.

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, beginning on the day of its establishment before the House of Representatives, where the elected president would give a renewed assurance.

When only one candidate applied for nomination, they were declared elected President of the Republic of Cyprus without a vote. When there were multiple candidates, the winner was determined by securing more than 50% of the valid votes. If no candidate secured the required majority, a re-election would be held on the respective day of the next week between the two candidates who received most votes.

Election Process

The election process began with Vassos Lissarides announcing on January 8 that he would not stand for election as a possible candidate from the Movement for Social Democracy. As a result, acting President Spyros Kyprianou was left as the sole candidate. He was subsequently declared elected President of the Republic of Cyprus without a vote.

Outcome

The outcome of the election was that Spyros Kyprianou was declared president without a vote, having been the only candidate to apply for nomination.