The field for EDEK’s 5 September leadership election has narrowed, with Political Bureau member Marios Hannides stepping aside following consultations with party officials and members.
Hannides said unity must take precedence and endorsed Koullis Mavronikolas as the person best placed to guide the party through its transitional period.
“From the moment I announced my candidacy for the EDEK presidency, I made clear that my sole aim was to help restore the unity, credibility and political prospects of our movement, creating the conditions for a genuine political restart,” he said.
Following the discussions, Hannides said he had concluded that EDEK “cannot afford another inward-looking contest”.
Unity before the leadership vote
Hannides said the central issue facing EDEK extended beyond the outcome of the upcoming election.
“The real issue is not who will be elected president on 5 September. The real issue is to safeguard the unity of the movement and create the conditions for the extraordinary electoral congress to mark the beginning of EDEK’s genuine renewal,” he said.
Support for Koullis Mavronikolas
Hannides confirmed that he was withdrawing his candidacy and supporting Mavronikolas.
“For this reason, I decided to withdraw my candidacy and support the candidacy of my fellow party member, Koullis Mavronikolas,” he said.
He cited Mavronikolas’ political experience, institutional knowledge and ability to promote cooperation during what he described as a difficult transitional period.
“I believe he has the political experience, institutional knowledge and ability to act as a force for consensus and stability during this difficult transitional period,” Hannides said.
He added that Mavronikolas could help address EDEK’s organisational and political challenges and guide the party towards its electoral congress in December.
Call for EDEK unity
Hannides also urged EDEK members to end internal disputes and work together to rebuild the party.
“Today, more than ever, consensus, unity and a collective effort must come first. I call on all EDEK members to leave behind what has divided us over recent months,” he said.
“The public is not interested in our internal disputes. It expects EDEK to demonstrate that it can learn from its mistakes, unite its forces and once again become a credible political force with a meaningful role in the country’s political life.”
Hannides said he would remain actively involved in efforts to rebuild EDEK.
“I will personally continue working with all my strength for EDEK’s reconstruction, for its return to a leading role in public life and for the defence of the principles and values of social democracy that it has historically served.”
