Annita Demetriou announces bid for 2028 presidential candidacy amid DISY leadership friction

On September 28, 2026, the President of the Democratic Rally (DISY) party, Annita Demetriou, officially announced her intention to seek the party's nomination for the 2028 presidential elections. This announcement followed an emergency meeting of the party's leadership, convened after former DISY leader Averof Neofytou declared his own candidacy the previous day. Neofytou, who led the party from 2013 to 2023, hinted at a breakdown in trust, alleging that he had been previously promised support that was not honored. Former President Nicos Anastasiades expressed concern over the internal friction, warning that such political ambitions risk damaging party unity.

The DISY leadership has initiated a roadmap to determine internal procedures, with the Executive Bureau scheduled to meet on September 29 to set timelines for candidate selection. According to party rules, candidates must be members and secure at least 500 signatures, including 100 from the Supreme Council. Deputy President Efthymios Diplaros stated that the goal is to finalize the selection of a candidate by the end of November, while stressing the need for the party to remain united. Neofytou has not yet clarified whether he will follow these internal party procedures or run as an independent candidate.