Political and Legal Systems

Cyprus became an independent republic in 1960. The political system is modeled on Western democracies in which individual rights are respected and private enterprise is given every opportunity to develop. Under its Constitution, Cyprus has a presidential system of Government. The President is the head of State and is elected by universal suffrage for a 5 year term of office. The Council of Ministers, which is appointed by the President, is the executive organ of the Republic. Legislative power lies with the House of Representatives whose members hold office for a period of 5 years. There is a multi-party system of democracy based on proportional representation.

The legal system is mainly based on the Anglo-Saxon legal system. The same principles as those applicable in the United Kingdom apply in Cyprus and all statutes regulating business matters and procedures are based essentially on English law. Most laws are translated into English.

Cyprus is a member of the United Nations and its specialised agencies, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the British Commonwealth. In May 2004 Cyprus became a full member of the European Union.

source: www.mof.gov.cy