nstead of seeking a new Speaker based on clear, widely accepted criteria – criteria that should define the holder of not only the leadership of parliament but also the second highest office in the state – the process is being shaped by behind‑the‑scenes discussions and arrangements that resemble bargaining and deals struck in private.
Responsibility for this situation lies, unfortunately, with the two major parties. Driven by ideological rigidity and entrenched positions, they refuse to communicate or reach understandings with each other. Instead, they turn to smaller parties, negotiating – often in exchange for concessions – temporary and, at times, questionable alliances.
Based on Sunday’s election result, the House presidency should have been the subject of direct discussions between the two major parties and no one else. DISY, as the largest party with 17 seats, and AKEL, as the second‑largest with 15 seats, could in a functioning democracy have agreed on the criteria for the role and then jointly supported a candidate from their parliamentary ranks who meets those standards, ensuring broad acceptance.
Some may argue that such a scenario is unrealistic in Cyprus – and they would be right.
Cooperation between the two major parties remains a taboo, almost treated as a “cardinal sin.” Rather than engage with each other, both parties prefer to see the presidency of the House go to smaller parties with far fewer seats – sometimes even to parties with only 2–3 MPs – rather than concede ground to their main rival.
They also appear willing to be pressured by smaller parties, effectively granting them a decisive role that does not reflect their electoral strength.
This, however, does not strengthen democracy – it undermines it. It distorts the will of voters and turns the process into a parody of democratic practice.
In this context, Annita Demetriou, whose previous tenure in the role is widely acknowledged as highly successful, represents an ideal candidate. AKEL, it could be argued, should have had no reservations about supporting her.
Yet it does not – just as DISY would not do so under reversed circumstances. As long as this dynamic persists, meaningful change in political life will remain elusive.
