Marios Hannides, a member of Edek's Political Secretariat and Political Bureau, formally submitted his candidacy for the party presidency at 10am on Tuesday, framing his bid around the message of unity and the reconstruction of the movement.
In a written public statement announcing his candidacy, Hannides said that from day one his priority would be the full implementation of the decisions of the Pancyprian Congress, with absolute respect for the party's charter and its collective decisions.
He went on to say that his priorities include completing changes to the party's statutes, updating the membership register, strengthening transparency and financial oversight, reorganising the party's internal operations, and thoroughly preparing the Electoral Congress, so that Edek's next chapter rests on solid foundations.
Koullis Mavronikolas and Sofia Christodoulou Makri submitted their candidacies on Monday. The submission process closes today, with the party's internal leadership election set for 5 September.
Hannides' full candidacy statement:
Edek today stands before one of the most critical moments in its history.
The result of the last parliamentary elections wounded us all. The loss of our parliamentary representation is not simply an electoral defeat. It is a powerful message from society that we must engage in self-criticism, correct our mistakes, restore relationships of trust, and give Edek back the place that historically belongs to it.
This moment calls for composure, responsibility and unity. It leaves no room for personal strategies or fresh internal disputes.
Fully aware of the responsibility that this historic moment entails, I am announcing my candidacy for the presidency of Edek.
I am not seeking the presidency simply to manage a transitional period. I am seeking the responsibility of creating the conditions for unity, reconstruction and a fresh start for Edek.
My candidacy is not addressed to one faction. It is addressed to the whole Edek family, to every man and woman who belongs to Edek.
For me there is no "us" and "them." There are no winners and losers. There is no one who is surplus to requirements. Edek needs everyone who believes in its principles and values.
Unity is not a slogan. It is a daily political act. It is built through respect, meritocracy, transparency, democratic процедures and collective action.
From the first day, my priority will be the full implementation of the decisions of the Pancyprian Congress, with absolute respect for the charter and the collective decisions of the Movement.
My priorities are completing the changes to the statutes, updating the membership register, strengthening transparency and financial oversight, reorganising the party's operations, and thoroughly preparing the Electoral Congress, so that Edek's next chapter rests on solid foundations.
This transitional period must not be lost to the management of day-to-day affairs. It must become the starting point for the political and organisational reconstruction of the Movement.
I want an Edek that is open to society. An Edek that listens before it speaks. That produces policy. That intervenes with well-documented proposals on the cost of living, housing, workers, pensioners, young people, small and medium-sized businesses, green development and modern social policy.
I want an Edek that gives real space to the new generation. That draws on the experience of our older comrades. That unites the generations rather than pitting them against each other.
At the same time, Edek must remain the responsible patriotic force that consistently defends its longstanding positions on the Cyprus problem. We are fighting for a just and viable solution that ends the occupation, secures the withdrawal of the occupying troops, the abolition of the guarantees and intervention rights, and fully safeguards the human rights of all lawful citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, within the framework of the European acquis.
Today we have a duty to prove that we have learned from our mistakes. To restore our credibility. To rebuild the relationship of trust with society.
I do not promise easy solutions. I promise only work, collective effort, honesty and absolute respect for the democratic functioning of the Movement.
I call on you to walk this difficult but hopeful path together with me.
To reunite Edek.
To create the conditions so that the next chapter finds our Movement stronger, more united and closer to society.
