Cyprus is an independent sovereign Republic with a presidential system
of government. Under the 1960 Constitution, executive power is
exercised by the President of the Republic, elected by universal suffrage
for a five-year term of office. The President exercises executive power
through a Council of Ministers appointed by him. Ministers may be
chosen from outside the House of Representatives.
Cyprus is a member of the United Nations and U.N. Agencies. It is also a
member of the Council of Europe, the Commonwealth, the Organisation
for Security and Cooperation in Europe and many other international
Organisations.
Following the signing of the EU Enlargement Treaty in Athens on April
16, 2003 and its subsequent ratification by the Cypriot House of
Representatives, Cyprus has officially joined the EU on May 01, 2004.
Legislature
The legislative authority in the Republic is exercised by the House of
Representatives now consisting of eighty members (56 of whom are to be
Greek Cypriots and 24 Turkish Cypriots) elected by universal suffrage for
a five-year term. At the time of its establishment, the House consisted of
50 members, 35 of whom were to be Greek Cypriots and 15 Turkish
Cypriots.
According to the constitution the ratio is 70% Greek Cypriots and 30%
Turkish Cypriots. Following the withdrawal of the Turkish Cypriot
members, the House has been functioning only with the Greek Cypriot
members.
Judiciary
The administration of justice is exercised by the island's separate and
independent Judiciary. Under the 1960 Constitution and other
legislation in force, the following judicial institutions have been
established: The Supreme Court of the Republic, The Assize Courts,
District Courts, Military Court, Industrial Disputes Court, Rent Control
Courts and Family Courts. The Supreme Courts is the final appellate
Court in the Republic and the final adjudicator in matters of
constitutional and administrative law. |
