Sophia Christodoulou Makri has rejected claims questioning her eligibility to run for the presidency of Edek, arguing that her long-standing participation in the party's activities and governing bodies demonstrates that she has consistently been recognised as a member.
Speaking on Politis Radio 107.6 and 97.6 during the programme Morning Briefing, the EDEK leadership candidate said that under the party constitution in force until 2022, members of the party's youth wing automatically became party members upon reaching the prescribed age limit.
She added that, in 2021, she signed another party member's nomination for the position of deputy president in her capacity as a member, while from 2020 she represented Edek at international and European conferences.
Christodoulou Makri also said that since 2021 she had served on the party's European and International Relations Office.
"My continuous participation in the activities and bodies of the party, and the assignment of party responsibilities to me, demonstrate that the party consistently recognised me as a member," she said.
She added that she had never been notified of any decision removing her from the party's membership rolls and expressed regret over speculation to the contrary.
Critical months ahead
Explaining her decision to seek the party leadership, Christodoulou Makri described the next three to four months as the most critical period in Edek's modern history.
"During this period it will be decided whether the party enters a path of renewal or continues to shrink," she said.
She argued that Edek still has a future, political relevance and a reason to exist.
Priorities for the party
Christodoulou Makri said her priorities include:
- Implementing the decisions of the extraordinary Pancyprian Congress.
- Establishing a five-member committee under the new party president.
- Preparing constitutional and ideological-political conferences.
- Ensuring the effective lifting of expulsions.
- Completing the party's financial audit and viability study.
Call for renewal
The candidate said Edek's has lost its political identity in recent years and become trapped in a culture of introspection.
"A new beginning is needed, with fresh faces, a renewed image and people without the burdens of the past," she said.
She added that her goal is to unite the party's grassroots membership and implement the decisions adopted by Edek's highest governing body.
