Internal leadership competition intensifies within the DISY party

As of late August 2026, political tension is rising within the Democratic Rally (DISY) party in Cyprus, as party leaders prepare to formalize their nominations for the 2028 presidential candidacy. Following a period of relative quiet, key figures including Annita Demetriou and Averof Neofytou are now engaging in public positioning, marking a transition from internal cooperation to a competitive selection process.

The central point of contention concerns the timing of the internal electoral procedure, with Demetriou and Neofytou reportedly holding differing views. Under a 2025 statute change, the final selection for the party’s presidential candidate rests with the general membership, prompting both factions to aggressively register new members to secure support. This internal rivalry follows a history of shifting alliances, including Neofytou's past support for Demetriou's leadership and parliamentary positions.

Simultaneously, the political landscape is complicated by potential external alliances. While DIKO party members maintain a cautious stance toward the current government and the administration of President Nikos Christodoulides, there are ongoing discussions regarding a possible future collaboration between DISY and DIKO for the 2028 elections. The leadership of DISY is expected to finalize the timeline for their candidate selection process upon returning to full operations in September.