Cyprus' opposition Democratic Rally (DISY) is moving to finalise its process for selecting a candidate for the 2028 presidential election, with expressions of interest expected in October and an internal vote possible by late November or early December.
Speaking on the Defteri Matia programme on Politis Radio 107.6 and 97.6, DISY Deputy President Efthymios Diplaros said the party leadership had discussed both the timetable for the process and the interest shown by party leader and House President Annita Demetriou.
"She herself did not hide her interest, however she asked for time to make her final decisions," Diplaros said, adding that he considered her position entirely understandable.
According to Diplaros, party leaders want the process completed before the end of 2026 so that DISY can know well in advance who will represent it in the presidential race.
October expressions of interest
Under the scenario currently under discussion, interested candidates would declare their interest during October. If the party fails to rally behind a single consensus candidate, DISY members would be called to the polls at the end of November or the beginning of December.
Diplaros said party members would, for the first time, directly select DISY's presidential candidate.
He said efforts were being made to achieve consensus around a broadly accepted candidacy, but stressed that an internal contest should not be viewed negatively provided it is conducted democratically and its outcome is respected by all participants.
Asked whether the leadership favoured Demetriou, Diplaros declined to endorse any individual candidate. He did, however, refer to DISY's parliamentary election performance and Demetriou's re-election as House President.
Several names could enter race
Diplaros said former DISY leader Averof Neophytou, former health minister Giorgos Pamboridis and any other party official wishing to participate could express interest in the nomination process.
He said the matter would first be discussed by the party leadership before being referred to the Executive Bureau, with a final proposal then submitted to the Political Bureau for approval.
Call for party unity
Diplaros also addressed internal tensions that have emerged within the party in recent days, seeking to project a message of unity.
Commenting on Nikos Tornaritis and his acceptance of an appointment from the President of the Republic, Diplaros clarified that Tornaritis had not been expelled from DISY.
"I will not give away and I will not allow any DISY member to be given away either to any party or to any individual," he said, adding that "no one is surplus to requirements" within the party.
He said that once a candidate is selected, efforts should be made to ensure all party officials and members support the decision "with understanding, with dialogue, with communication" rather than through renewed confrontations.
Diplaros said he would support "with heart and soul" whichever candidate is chosen by DISY.
He also said that if the party's candidate fails to reach the second round of the presidential election, he would not support a candidate from AKEL, citing the political differences between the two parties.
