History
The House of Representatives was officially established on 16 August 1960 following the end of British colonial rule in Cyprus. Following the Zurich–London Agreements, Sir Hugh Foot transferred power to the country’s elected first President, Archbishop Makarios III, and Vice-President Fazıl Küçük.
According to the 1960 Constitution, the House of Representatives consisted of 50 members, allocated between the two communities: 70% Greek Cypriot and 30% Turkish Cypriot. In 1985, the number of seats was increased to 80, with 56 allocated to the Greek Cypriot community and 24 to the Turkish Cypriot community, as it remains today.
Composition
- President of the House – Elected from the Greek Community
- Vice-President of the House – Elected from the Turkish Community*
- Members of the House – 56 Greek Community & 24 Turkish Community*
- Representatives of the religious groups
- Parliamentary Committees
*Resigned from power in 1963 following inter-communal tensions.
Role and Responsibilities
Amendment of the Constitution
The House of Representatives has the power to amend the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the state. However, certain core provisions cannot be changed. These include those defining Cyprus as a presidential republic (with a Greek Cypriot President and a Turkish Cypriot Vice-President), as well as provisions protecting the bicommunal nature of the state and the separation of powers. All other parts of the Constitution can be amended, provided that the amendment is approved by at least a two-thirds majority of both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot representatives.
Enactment of legislation
The House of Representatives is the main legislative body responsible for passing, amending, and repealing laws. Bills are proposed by ministers or MPs, examined by committees, and then debated and voted on by the House. It also approves regulations and ratifies international treaties. Once laws are passed, the President can send them back for reconsideration, refer them to the Supreme Court for constitutional review, or refuse to sign them in cases involving foreign affairs, defence, and security.
The House confirms or rejects a Proclamation of Emergency
In situations such as war or serious threats to the country, the Council of Ministers can declare a state of emergency. The President must publish this declaration unless they veto it within 48 hours. For it to take effect, the House of Representatives must approve it; if the House rejects it, it is invalid, but if approved, the country is officially placed under a state of emergency.
Investiture of the President of the Republic
The President of the Republic takes office by appearing before the House of Representatives and making a formal oath to respect the Constitution and protect the independence and integrity of the country. The House also has the power to start procedures against the President in serious situations. It can initiate prosecution for high treason if a large majority of MPs agree, after which the Supreme Court decides whether the case should proceed. It can also begin the process to remove the President from office if they are unable to carry out their duties due to physical or mental incapacity, with the final decision again made by the Supreme Court.
Parliamentary scrutiny
The House of Representatives oversees and holds the government accountable in several ways. It can amend or reject government bills, including the state budget, and reviews reports such as those from the Ombudsman. MPs can question ministries, request information, and bring issues for debate in plenary or committees. The House can also launch investigations through special committees and discuss urgent matters. Overall, it monitors government actions and ensures that public interests are represented and protected.
The House influences the formulation of economic and financial policy
The House of Representatives plays a key role in managing the country’s finances. It examines, amends, and approves the annual state budget, controlling public spending, development plans, and public services. If the budget is delayed, it can temporarily approve limited monthly spending. It can also approve additional (supplementary) budgets if needed. Beyond the budget, the House approves government loans, guarantees, and financial measures, and reviews reports on how public money is spent.
Parliamentary Elections
The House of Representatives is elected for a 5 year term, unless it’s dissolved earlier by the decision of the majority of its members. There are 6 constituencies and the 56 Parliamentary seats are distributed based on the number of registered voters on each constituency.
Requirements to run for an election as a Member of the Parliament:
- Citizen of the Republic of Cyprus
- Minimum age of 21
- No serious convictions or being disqualified from the elections
- Mentally capable to perform the House’s duties
Requirements to vote on the Parliamentary Elections:
- Citizen of the Republic of Cyprus
- Age 18 and above
- Registered to Vote
For more information regarding how the electoral process works please refer to:
https://www.gov.cy/moi-elections/documents/voyleytikes-plirofories/eklogiko-systima
