Tensions rise within DISY as presidential election race begins

The Democratic Rally (DISY) party in Cyprus is currently facing internal instability following the announcement of candidacy for the 2028 presidential elections by former party leader Averof Neofytou. Two days after Neofytou's declaration, current DISY president Annita Demetriou also announced her intention to seek the party's nomination. This double candidacy has triggered a major internal crisis, with concerns mounting that the party risks further fragmentation if consensus cannot be reached.

In response to these developments, the DISY Executive Bureau has set a strict timeline for the selection process. Nominations are scheduled for submission on October 13, with an extraordinary national electoral assembly planned for November 14. This process will allow the party's approximately 52,000 members to directly choose their candidate, a first in the party's history. The leadership is requesting that all participants publicly commit to supporting the eventual winner to ensure post-election unity.

Neofytou has remained ambiguous regarding whether he will participate in the formal internal party process or proceed as an independent, asserting that he will not settle for being a candidate without clear conditions. He has heavily criticized President Nikos Christodoulides and the current party leadership’s political stance. As of now, the party is struggling to manage these competing ambitions while addressing broader concerns about its future role in national politics.