Democratic Rally (DISY) President Annita Demetriou has told the party's Political Bureau that she has no objection to the internal procedures for selecting its presidential candidate running into December and January, according to information obtained by Politis. The move leaves open the possibility of a longer timetable than the one proposed by the party's Executive Bureau, which has drawn objections from potential contenders.
Political Bureau meeting under way
The Political Bureau session began at 5pm and is due to decide the timetable for the internal process of selecting DISY's candidate for the 2028 presidential elections.
According to the same information, Ms Demetriou told members she has "no problem with the procedures going into both December and January", leaving open the possibility of an extension.
Ms Demetriou also proposed that all of DISY's organised bodies, from the parliamentary group to the policy groups, sign in support of all candidates, as an act of unity.
According to the same information, George Pamporidis confirmed his interest in standing as a candidate before the Political Bureau.
Proposed timetable
Before the Political Bureau is the Executive Bureau's recommendation that candidacies be submitted on Tuesday 13 October, with an Extraordinary Pancyprian Electoral Assembly held on Saturday 14 November.
For the first time, DISY's presidential candidate will be chosen by the party's entire membership.
Reservations over the deadlines
The proposed timetable has prompted reactions, with Mr Pamporidis expected to ask for more time.
Former party leader Averof Neophytou had also expressed reservations about the deadlines in recent days. He is not attending the session, as he is abroad.
Earlier on Friday, in a post addressed to DISY supporters, Mr Neophytou assured them: "I will never betray you."
