District Administration

Cyprus is divided into six administrative districts: Nicosia, Famagusta, Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca and Kyrenia. Each district is headed by a District Officer, who is a senior civil servant appointed by Government. A District Office is responsible for the coordination of all Ministries in its district and is accountable to the Ministry of Interior.

Municipalities

Municipalities are a form of local government for urban and larger tourist areas. Local policy is devised by the Municipal council (a body elected by the citizens to a term of five years) led by a Mayor who is the legal representative (also elected by the citizens to a five year term).

The municipality is responsible for the condition of the municipal zone which includes construction and maintenance of buildings, parks and public gardens, street lighting, the protection of public health with rubbish (trash) collection, sanitation and waste disposal and treatment, and the protection of the environment. Where budget permits, municipalities are also responsible for promoting their area through the development of tourism, arts and sports.

Municipal Law means than the municipality has jurisdiction over Streets and Buildings Regulation Law, the Town Planning Law, the Civil Marriages Law and the Sewerage Systems Law.

Communities

Communities (or Village Authorities) are broadly equivalent to municipalities, providing the local structure in rural areas. Any community may become a municipality by local referendum (subject to approval) provided it has a population of over 5,000, or has the economic resources to function as a municipality. A community is led by a President (elected by the community to a five year term) and may receive financial, administrative and technical support from the District Office or from Central Government.