Deep internal crisis within EDEK party ahead of presidential election

The EDEK party is facing a significant internal crisis ahead of its presidential election scheduled for September 5, 2026. The conflict has intensified as party officials navigate disputes over procedural regulations, the presence of candidate observers, and the management of election logistics. While the party leadership maintains that the process follows the unanimous decisions made by the Central Committee on July 30, 2026, two members of the Central Electoral Committee, Giannis Anastasiou and Michalis Theodoulou, have publicly challenged these claims, citing procedural irregularities and the disregard of their recommendations for transparency.

Voting is set to take place across all free provinces of Cyprus, as well as in Athens, Thessaloniki, and London. Participants are required to show an ID and pay a 10-euro membership fee, using the 2015-2025 electoral register. The campaign has seen tensions rise between candidates Sofia Christodoulou, Koulis Mavronikolas, and Giorgos Kouttoukis, with external criticism voiced by former party leader Giannakis Omirou. Despite the internal dissent and allegations of institutional failures, the party insists that the process is compliant with its statute. The situation remains volatile as the party leadership vows to address misinformation while the aggrieved committee members maintain their positions to oversee the proceedings.