The Democratic Rally (DISY) is finalising candidate lists for the 2026 parliamentary elections, awaiting final responses from several high-profile figures. Optimism is running high at party headquarters on Pindarou Street, fuelled by the strong interest shown by both party members and senior figures in securing a place on the ballot.
Prominent Figures in the Mix
Among those confirmed is retired brigadier Paris Markou, son of 1974 National Guard hero Major Tasos Markou, who will run as a distinguished candidate in Famagusta. The name of teacher Angeliki Riala has also been locked in for Limassol. Still pending are responses from other influential personalities such as TV host Tasos Tryfonos, former Defence Minister Michalis Giorgallas, and educator Miltos Miltiadous, who heads the Pancyprian Thalassaemia Association.
The party is also awaiting decisions from former Health Minister George Pamboridis and former Deputy Minister of Welfare Anastasia Anthousi, whose presence on the Nicosia ballot is seen as vital in appealing to the capital’s urban electorate.
So far, four figures have accepted invitations to run as distinguished candidates, while responses from at least four others are still expected.
Distinguished Candidates Confirmed
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Paris Markou, retired brigadier, Famagusta
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Angeliki Riala, educator and former adviser to Education Minister Kostas Hambiaouris, Limassol
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Tina Pavlou, clinical director of Ayia Skepi, Nicosia
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Demetris Demetriou, former Deputy Police Chief, Nicosia
Meanwhile, negotiations continue with other high-profile names. Tryfonos is seriously considering the offer for Limassol, Giorgallas is weighing the proposal for Famagusta, while Miltiadous will soon give his answer for Larnaca. The party is also awaiting a response from former basketball player Michalis Kounounis for Limassol.
Party Optimism and Grassroots Interest
DISY is also encouraged by the strong interest from party members and grassroots activists, with intra-party contests likely in some districts. The picture will become clearer on 9 September, when official submissions of interest close.
Nicosia
The capital allocates 20 parliamentary seats, with DISY needing to field 20 candidates. Of the five sitting DISY MPs, only Demetris Demetriou and Savia Orphanidou will seek re-election. Averof Neophytou and Nikos Tornaritis have reached their term limits, while Haris Georgiades has announced he will not run in 2026.
Much attention centres on Pamboridis and Anthousi, both still undecided. There is also speculation around deputy spokesperson Xenia Konstantinou, while positive signals are reported from former Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides and current Aglantzia deputy mayor Andreas Konstantinou.
Other possible contenders include members of the Political Bureau such as Marios Elias, Poly Kourousides and Christos Pallis, as well as lawyer Elena Kousiou, Kokkino Trimithia community leader Christakis Meletis, cardiac surgeon Neophytos Zambas, journalist George Chrysanthou, and women’s organisation leader Maria Christofidou.
Limassol
With 12 seats up for grabs, DISY currently holds three. MPs Nikos Sykas and Fotini Tsiridou will seek re-election, joined by George Karaiskakis, head of the Panagrotikos Farmers’ Union in Limassol. Interest is also reported from former Agriculture Minister Timi Efthymiou. A host of other names are expected to submit by 9 September, including local councillors and academics.
Larnaca
Holding six seats, two of which are DISY’s, Annita Demetriou and Prodromos Alambritis will run again. Interest has also emerged from Andrea Manoli and Michalis Pekris, who stood for mayor in the last municipal elections.
Famagusta
Of the 11 seats, DISY currently controls four. MPs Nikos Georgiou and George Karoullas will recontest, while party spokesman Onoufrios Koullas has announced he will not. New hopefuls include Margarita Kaimaklioti, associate of MEP Loukas Fourlas, and George Chatzigeorgiou, director of Annita Demetriou’s office, along with several community leaders and former officials.
Paphos
The district has four seats, with DISY holding one. MP Charalambos Pazaros will seek re-election. Potential new candidates include lawyer Nikoleta Konstantinou, daughter of former MP Kostas Konstantinou, deputy mayor Sotiris Koupparis, doctor George Theodosiou, lawyer George Demitriadis, journalist Emmanuella Zonia, and councillor Linos Tsokkas.
Kyrenia
With three seats, DISY currently holds two. MP Marios Mavridis has reached his term limit, while Rita Theodorou Superman is expected to run again. Possible new names include Dimos Georgiadis, head of youth wing NEDISY, parliamentary aide Vasilis Koumettos, and journalist Pambos Mitidis.