Sofia Christodoulou Makri elected as new president of EDEK

On September 5, 2026, 27-year-old Sofia Christodoulou Makri was elected president of the EDEK party in Cyprus, becoming the first woman and the youngest leader in the organization's 57-year history. She secured her position in the first round of voting with 1,191 votes (53.5%) out of 2,233 total participants. Her opponents, Koullis Mavronikolas and Giorgos Kouttoukis, received 788 and 246 votes, respectively. The election followed a period of internal tension and criticism regarding her eligibility, though she ultimately received significant support from the party’s youth and members seeking structural reform.

Following her victory, the new president began her duties, prioritizing party unity, transparency, and the restoration of public trust. She plans to address the party’s financial status and re-evaluate its relationship with the Christodoulides government. Several political figures, including the President of the Republic and the General Secretary of AKEL, have already reached out to congratulate her and discuss future cooperation.

The party is currently preparing for a statutory congress in October, followed by internal elections in December to determine the new leadership hierarchy. Christodoulou Makri has emphasized that her administration will focus on moving past internal strife, fostering dialogue with both former and current members, and preparing the party for its future political role.