Former DISY president Averof Neofytou announces 2028 presidential bid

On September 27, 2026, former Democratic Rally (DISY) president Averof Neofytou officially announced his candidacy for the 2028 presidential elections. Neofytou justified his early decision by citing a lack of progress in resolving the Cyprus problem following recent developments in New York, arguing that the current leadership has failed to move beyond the status quo.

The announcement has triggered significant internal friction within DISY. The party leadership, led by Annita Demetriou, emphasized that the only legitimate way to secure the party's nomination is through statutory institutional processes. Party officials, including deputy president Efthymios Diplaros, have expressed concern over whether Neofytou intends to run as an independent candidate or seek the party's endorsement, noting that his public statement did not explicitly mention DISY. The party leadership reiterated that rules must be followed and that collective decisions remain paramount to maintaining unity.

DISY officials have scheduled emergency discussions to address the challenge. While the party hopes Neofytou will abide by internal procedures, his move is viewed by many as a high-stakes gamble that risks repeating the internal divisions observed in 2023. Further clarity regarding his status as a partisan or independent candidate is expected to emerge during upcoming high-level party meetings.