Suffrage is universal and compulsory, and elections are free and fair. The 1960 constitution established an ethnically representative system designed to protect the interests of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The independent judiciary operates according to the British tradition, upholding the presumption of innocence and the right to due process. Trial before a judge is standard, although requests for trial by jury are regularly granted.
Freedom of speech is respected, and a vibrant independent press frequently criticizes authorities.
Several private television and radio stations in the Greek Cypriot community compete effectively with government-controlled stations. In addition, the government also publishes a Cyprus Internet home page, which features information regarding efforts to resolve the island s protracted dispute as well as regarding current developments and policy statements by Cypriot leaders. Cypriot media reports in October alleged rife corruption among the island s police forces. An immigration scandal was revealed, in which police reportedly provided visas for foreign women to remain in the country in return for money and sex. In October, the chief immigration officer appeared in court on charges connected to the visa scandal.