The 1960 constitution, which allowed for a population-determined sharing of power between the Turkish and Greek communities and officially remains in force. However, in practice, the state organs that it established are duplicated in the 2 zones. Thus executive power in the Republic of Cyprus is vested in a President, elected by universal adult suffrage every 5 years. He is assisted by a Council of Ministers. A 56-seat parliament (Vouli Antiprosopon) is also elected by universal adult suffrage every 5 years.
A similar system also operates in the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’. The legislative assembly, Temsilciler Mecsili, has fifty members elected by proportional representation to serve a 5-year term. The executive President is also elected for a 5-year term. |
