Cyprus

Monday's first and only live television debate featuring the five main presidential candidates barely attracted nine percent of the population at its peak, Politis newspaper said.

The president was responding to criticism from Akel-backed candidate Stavros Malas during an evening TV debate between the five main contenders for the presidency ahead of Sunday’s elections.

The five presidential candidates agreed to participate in a debate set for January 22 which will be broadcast by major TV stations, it emerged on Friday.