DISY internal race for 2028 presidential candidacy intensifies

The Democratic Rally (DISY) in Cyprus is navigating an internal political crisis following the announcement of candidacy by former party leader Averof Neofytou on September 26, 2026. Neofytou, who criticized current government policies and the handling of the Cyprus issue, prompted an immediate response from current party president Annita Demetriou, who announced on September 28 her intention to seek the party's nomination for the 2028 presidential elections.

Following these developments, the party’s Executive Office met on September 29 and announced that, for the first time in its history, the candidate selection process will be opened to all party members. The party has scheduled the Extraordinary Pancyprian Electoral Assembly for November 14, 2026, to decide on the nominee. Officials, including party veteran Harris Georgiades, have called for unity and adherence to official procedures to prevent potential fragmentation of the party.

Neofytou has defended his decision as a necessary step to address societal concerns and political impasses, while the party leadership demands that all potential candidates publicly commit to respecting the final verdict of the membership and supporting the chosen candidate. The situation remains fluid as the party attempts to manage the conflicting ambitions of its current and former leaders.