One Person – One Vote: Democracy and Equal Political Rights in the Republic of Cyprus
There are moments in history when old structures begin to crack and new democratic possibilities emerge.
For many decades, parts of the constitutional framework created in Cyprus in 1960 imposed political separation and restrictions that prevented the full democratic expression of equal citizenship.
democracy finds its way through the light.
Important rights, such as the right to vote and the right to stand for election, were limited through divisions that did not reflect the principles of a modern European democracy.
Μία πατρίδα, μία δημοκρατία, ίσα πολιτικά δικαιώματα για όλους.
Over time, courageous citizens challenged these restrictions peacefully, legally and democratically.
Among the pioneers was Ibrahim Aziz, who challenged parts of the constitutional system before the European Court of Human Rights. His struggle became a historic milestone for democratic equality and political rights in the Republic of Cyprus. His actions helped establish an important democratic principle: every citizen of the Republic must enjoy equal political rights.
Later, Sener Levent helped further advance this democratic path through participation in European elections and through his long public defense of a free, democratic and united Cyprus based on equal citizenship and human dignity.
Today, Oz Karahan continues this democratic journey by participating, for the first time, in a united electoral ballot for the parliamentary elections of the Republic of Cyprus. This development carries important democratic and symbolic value because it challenges old divisions and strengthens the principle that democracy belongs equally to all citizens.
The struggle of these individuals, together with many of their friends, colleagues and supporters over the years, helps illuminate the path toward a viable, democratic and European solution for Cyprus.
Their efforts also remind the international community that long periods of inertia, tolerance of division, or misguided approaches cannot create a truly sustainable future.
Real democracy cannot be built on permanent separation.
It must be built on equal citizenship, equal political rights, democratic participation and mutual respect.
The principle remains simple and universal:
“One Person – One Vote.”
Cyprus belongs to all its citizens.
Not to division.
Not to political inequality.
Not to permanent separation.
The future of Cyprus must be democratic, peaceful, European and based on equality before the law for every citizen of the Republic of Cyprus.
- Dinos Toumazos is a co-founder and director of Agora Dialogue.