Sofia Christodoulou-Makri elected new leader of EDEK party

On September 5, 2026, members of the Cypriot party EDEK elected 27-year-old Sofia Christodoulou-Makri as their new president. She secured a decisive victory in the first round of voting with 53.5% of the vote, receiving 1,191 ballots out of 2,233 cast. She defeated former Defence Minister Kyriakos Mavronikolas, who received 35.4% (788 votes), and Giorgos Kouttoukis, who gathered 11.1% (246 votes). Christodoulou-Makri is the first woman and the youngest leader to head the party since its founding in 1969.

The electoral process was marked by significant internal tension and controversy regarding the eligibility of voters. Reports emerged that more than 700 members were excluded from the electoral rolls, with some party sources alleging they were removed for failing to support EDEK in previous elections. Critics countered that the decision to bar members should only apply to those who stood as candidates for rival factions. Tensions peaked at certain polling stations during the day, where excluded members were denied participation.

Following her victory, Christodoulou-Makri expressed a commitment to reconciliation and the reunification of the party base after a long period of internal strife and recent electoral losses. She is set to hold meetings with national leadership, starting with President Nikos Christodoulides, to define the party's future roadmap and internal strategy.