The race for the 2026 parliamentary elections has officially begun within the Democratic Rally (DISY), as party members and officials submit their nominations today. The party leadership will announce the valid candidacies later this afternoon—an announcement that will determine whether internal elections will be necessary in key districts such as Nicosia and Limassol.
This next phase in the party's electoral calendar is unfolding as DISY President Annita Demetriou confirmed two additional aristindin (directly appointed) candidates: former Deputy Chief of Police Dimitris Demetriou in Nicosia, and educator Angeliki Riala in Limassol. Their inclusion is part of a broader effort to balance expertise and public service experience across the party’s slate.
Candidate submissions are open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and can be made either in person at the party’s district or central offices, or online via my.disy.cy. Eligible candidates must be registered members as of June 11, 2025, and have paid their party dues for both 2025 and 2026. Each submission also requires a €500 participation fee.
Internal ballots on the horizon?
The party is expected to publish the full list of nominations this evening, along with a breakdown of how many meet the criteria laid out in DISY’s charter. If nominations in any given district exceed the number of available ballot slots, internal party elections will be held on 4 October to determine the final parliamentary candidates.
Early indicators suggest that such internal contests are likely in Nicosia and Limassol, and possibly in Kyrenia and Famagusta, where interest appears high. A number of influential figures are said to be considering whether to run, which could deter others with less political capital from entering the race. Party sources indicate that DISY’s leadership would prefer to avoid internal ballots altogether, citing their administrative cost and the risk of internal friction.
In Nicosia alone, at least eight polling stations would need to be set up, staffed by volunteers. Some fear that competitive internal elections could fuel division and political rivalries—an unwelcome distraction just months ahead of national elections.
Electoral map may shift: Nicosia to lose a seat?
Complicating matters further is the possibility that one of Nicosia’s parliamentary seats may be reassigned to Paphos, following a recent review of voter registration data. Currently holding 20 seats in the House of Representatives, Nicosia could see that number drop to 19 if population trends hold. Political parties have already been informed by the Ministry of Interior about the potential redistribution, with a final decision expected following the next quarterly electoral roll update.
Party insiders suggest that, should an internal vote take place in Nicosia, the 20th-ranked candidate may be the one removed from the final ballot in the event of a seat reduction.
