DISY leadership urges Annita Demetriou to announce presidential candidacy

The leadership of the Democratic Rally (DISY) party in Cyprus held a strategic meeting at their Pindarou headquarters on September 21, 2026, to discuss the upcoming presidential elections. During the session, high-ranking party members urged leader Annita Demetriou to formally declare her candidacy, arguing that her leadership offers the best opportunity for electoral success and internal unity.

Demetriou has indicated that she will not make any formal announcement while the United Nations General Assembly is in session in New York, citing the potential for critical developments regarding the Cyprus issue. The official process to declare interest is expected to commence around mid-October. While the majority of the leadership supports Demetriou, the party remains in a delicate period, with competing interests previously expressed by figures such as George Pamporidis and Averof Neofytou. The leadership is currently divided on a specific timeline, with some advocating for a candidate selection by the end of this year, while others propose waiting until March 2027.

Moving forward, the party plans to finalize its procedures through its Executive and Political Bureaus. Demetriou continues to hold individual meetings with interested parties, aiming to manage internal tensions before committing to an official candidacy announcement.