NICOSIA, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus has officially lowered the national voting age from 18 to 17 following a constitutional amendment passed by parliament on Thursday, marking a significant shift in the country's electoral framework.
The reform, reported by the Cyprus Mail, marked the first time in the country's history that individuals under 18 will have a voice in national elections.
The change will come into effect on July 1, 2027, allowing 17-year-olds to cast their votes for the first time in the 2028 presidential elections.
According to data shared during parliamentary discussions, approximately 92,000 Cypriot citizens aged 17 will become eligible to vote once the law is in force. Officials noted that the reform will not affect the distribution of parliamentary seats among districts. ■