EDEK sets September 5 for presidential election as candidacy phase begins

The Central Committee of the EDEK party in Cyprus has officially scheduled the election of a new president for September 5, 2026. This decision, ratified during a meeting on July 30, follows the approval of proposals from the party's Political Bureau, aiming to ensure internal compliance with the party's statutes and facilitate a leadership transition.

Following the announcement, 27-year-old Sofia Christodoulou Makri, the president of EDEK's youth wing, officially declared her candidacy. Her bid has received public support from the 'Initiative for the Reconstruction of EDEK', an internal group pushing for a transparent and inclusive electoral congress. Other potential candidates, such as former defense minister Kyriakos Mavronikolas and Marios Hannidis, have been mentioned in media reports, though their official status remains unconfirmed.

To manage the process, a Credentials Committee has been appointed to oversee the member registry. Members have a specific window from August 4 to August 7, 2026, to submit formal objections or verify their registration status. The party is currently navigating a period of instability, with the upcoming election seen as a crucial step for the organization's future unity and strategic reorganization.