Presidential elections were held in Cyprus for the first time on 13 December 1959.[1] Only two candidates contested the election; Makarios III, who was backed by EOKA, and Ioannis Clerides, a member of the Democratic Union who was also supported by AKEL.[2][3] The result was a victory for Makarios III, who received 67% of the vote, although he did not take office until 16 August 1960.[4] Voter turnout was 91.2%.[3]
The elections were held using a two-round system; if no candidate received over 50% of the vote in the first round, a second round was to be held between the top two candidates. The constitution required the President of Cyprus to be a Greek Cypriot and the Vice-President to be a Turkish Cypriot. Greek Cypriots elected the President and Turkish Cypriots elected the Vice-President.[5]
