The Democratic Rally (DISY) internal process for selecting its candidate for the 2028 presidential election appears set to become a two-way contest following the withdrawal of party president Annita Demetriou.
Demetriou announced that she was withdrawing her interest in the party’s nomination in the interests of maintaining DISY’s unity. The development is expected to leave former party president Averof Neophytou and George Pamporidis as the two prospective contenders in the internal process.
Demetriou announced her decision following a meeting with Neophytou and Pamporidis earlier on Thursday at DISY headquarters on Pindarou Street.
Demetriou cites concerns over party unity
Following the meeting, Demetriou spoke to reporters about concerns among DISY members and officials, saying she had been in continuous contact with people across the party in recent days.
Flanked by Neophytou and Pamporidis, she said she considered it her personal responsibility to prevent internal division and safeguard the unity of DISY.
Her withdrawal came after she had previously expressed an interest in seeking the party’s nomination for the 2028 presidential election.
Neophytou yet to formally confirm
Asked whether he would participate in the internal nomination process, Neophytou said an announcement would follow.
Pamporidis has also expressed an interest in the presidential nomination, meaning the two men are now expected to remain at the centre of the process.
However, their participation has not yet been formally confirmed through a joint announcement.
Reported condition behind Demetriou’s withdrawal
According to information reported by Politis, during Thursday’s meeting Demetriou informed Neophytou and Pamporidis that she intended to withdraw her interest on the condition that both men would participate in the internal process and support whichever candidate is ultimately chosen by DISY members.
If confirmed, such an arrangement would seek to ensure that the internal contest does not result in a renewed division within the party and that the outcome is respected by all sides.
The next announcements from Neophytou and Pamporidis are expected to clarify how the nomination process will proceed.
