Democratic Rally (DISY) president Annita Demetriou has made clear that the party is contesting the 2028 presidential elections to win. She also sent an indirect message to the two contenders for the party’s nomination. The unity for which she stepped aside, she said, requires everyone to stand behind whoever the members choose.
She was speaking at a press conference where she presented the party’s 12 priorities for tackling the high cost of living, and was asked about the internal party process.
Confidence ahead of 2028
Ms Demetriou said she was confident that the party’s choice would convince citizens and reach the second round.
“We are not going into the elections to lose,” she said. She noted that the aim is to persuade citizens of the party’s proposal for governance, under the central message that Cyprus deserves more.
She described contacts between parties as legitimate but said it is not yet the time for them, as a year and a half remains until the elections.
Response to Anastasiades
Asked about former President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades’ suggestion of a possible pre-agreement with President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides ahead of a second round, Ms Demetriou said she understands both the former President’s concern and the reservations expressed by party officials.
She said the shared key objectives are, on the one hand, to prevent left-wing policies from prevailing and, on the other, to safeguard the unity of DISY.
She added that relevant decisions and political processes will take place at the appropriate time.
Withdrawal for the sake of unity
On her decision not to seek the nomination, Ms Demetriou said she had weighed all the factors and that she senses relief among the party’s supporters, since her decision was aimed solely at contributing to unity.
She added, however, that unity is not secured overnight but takes time. The leadership had taken the first step, she said, with her own step back.
Pledge by the two contenders
Ms Demetriou stressed that both Averof Neophytou and Giorgos Pamporidis have committed to supporting the candidate chosen by DISY members. She said securing exactly this commitment was the purpose of her own decision to withdraw.
Ms Demetriou announced her withdrawal on 8 October. The party’s Political Bureau had unanimously called on all potential contenders to commit publicly to respecting the members’ verdict.
Timetable for the internal vote
Shortly after her remarks, Mr Neophytou announced in a written statement and video that he will seek the vote of confidence of DISY members for the presidential elections.
Nominations for Mr Neophytou and MP Giorgos Pamporidis will be submitted on Monday 26 October, and the internal party vote will take place on 28 November.
