Poll indicates internal DISY leadership race dynamics

A new poll conducted by IMR/University of Nicosia for Reporter, surveying 700 eligible DISY members between September 3 and September 7, 2026, reveals significant trends regarding the party's future leadership and electoral strategy ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. The data highlights internal tensions and the shifting allegiances within the party's traditional voter base.

In terms of leadership, Annita Demetriou leads the race for the DISY nomination with 46% suitability, followed by Averof Neofytou at 35% and George Pamboridis at 7%. When voters are asked specifically for their preferred candidate in an internal contest, Demetriou holds 48% against Neofytou’s 36%. However, when President Nikos Christodoulides is included in the potential candidate list, the gap narrows, with Demetriou at 34% and Christodoulides at 29%. Furthermore, the survey found that 58% of respondents want DISY to field its own partisan candidate, while 26% favor supporting Christodoulides, and 13% prefer a consensus candidate.

The findings underscore a complex political landscape for the Democratic Rally party, marked by persistent support for the incumbent President among three out of ten party affiliates, raising questions about the party’s unity and its strategic direction for the upcoming election cycle.