Internal crisis in Democratic Rally following Averof Neofytou's presidential candidacy announcement

The Democratic Rally (DISY) in Cyprus has entered a period of heightened internal instability following the decision of former party leader Averof Neofytou to announce his candidacy for the 2028 presidential elections. Neofytou’s move, made independently of the party’s established internal procedures, has triggered a sharp response from current party leadership, who emphasize that institutional protocols must be respected.

During a scheduled meeting of the party leadership held on September 28, 2026, officials, including Deputy President Efthymios Diplaros, pressed Neofytou to clarify whether he intends to seek the party's official nomination through democratic primaries or run as an independent. Former President Nikos Anastasiades also intervened, expressing concern that such unilateral actions threaten party unity and could lead to a damaging split, similar to the electoral consequences faced by the party in 2023.

Neofytou has defended his decision, framing it as a political proposal for the nation rather than a strictly internal party matter. He further claimed that prior to the 2026 legislative elections, he had been promised support for his potential presidential bid by an aide to current party President Annita Demetriou in exchange for backing her re-election as Speaker of the House, a claim that adds further tension to the current power struggle. The leadership continues to maintain that all candidates must adhere to the party's statutes.