DISY’s Executive Bureau has set out the process for selecting the party’s candidate for the 2028 presidential election, with the final decision to be placed in the hands of the party membership for the first time.
DISY Deputy President Efthymios Diplaros said prospective candidates would be asked to publicly commit to respecting the result and supporting whoever ultimately secures the nomination.
All members to have a vote
“For the first time in its history, the Democratic Rally is opening the process of selecting a candidate for the Presidency of the Republic to all party members,” Diplaros said, describing the move as a significant democratic development for the party.
The Executive Bureau called on members to participate actively in the process and urged those seeking the nomination to demonstrate restraint, responsibility and respect for the party’s history.
Particular emphasis was placed on preserving party unity.
Diplaros said all prospective candidates would be asked to publicly commit to respecting the verdict of party members and supporting the candidate eventually selected.
The Executive Bureau also called on party officials to contribute to what it described as a “healthy internal election campaign”, with the aim of ensuring DISY enters the presidential election united.
Proposed dates for nomination process
The Executive Bureau will recommend the timetable to the Political Bureau, which is due to meet on Friday, 2 October.
Under the proposal:
- Nominations will be submitted on Tuesday, 13 October, between 9am and 12.30pm.
- The Extraordinary Pancyprian Electoral Assembly will take place on Saturday, 14 November, between 9am and 6pm.
Demetriou leaves meeting during discussion
Diplaros also said DISY President Annita Demetriou chose not to be present during discussion of the issue, despite not being required to leave the meeting.
According to Diplaros, Demetriou stepped away to allow all Executive Bureau members to express their views freely.
“Everyone, without exception, expressed themselves in a positive spirit, sending one message only: that this party will remain a leading force in this electoral contest as well,” Diplaros said.
