NICOSIA (Reuters) - It is ridiculed by critics as the epitome of kitsch, but the political clout of the Eurovision Song Contest, hosted by Greece this May, should not be underestimated.

Party leaders on the east Mediterranean island of Cyprus appear to have ruled out parliamentary polls for May 21, because Eurovision will be hogging the limelight, the normally authoritative daily Politis reported yesterday.

Parliamentary elections are held in May every five years and voting is compulsory for Cypriots. But it was likely the contest would trigger a mass exodus of voters to Athens that weekend to watch the event.

“Party leaders believe if elections occur on the May 20-21 weekend voters would prefer Helena. They wouldn’t be wrong,” Politis said, referring to the female Greek singer who won last year’s contest.

The contest — a mixed bag of talent, inane lyrics, bizarre attire and political bias — takes place in Athens on May 20.