Internal friction in DISY party ahead of the 2028 presidential elections

The announcement of Averof Neofytou's candidacy for the 2028 presidential elections has introduced significant uncertainty within the Democratic Rally (DISY) party. Political analysts suggest that Neofytou is prioritizing the Cyprus issue in his platform, while his decision to potentially bypass formal party procedures has created questions regarding internal unity. This development occurs alongside the existing rivalry with current party president Annita Demetriou, as both figures appear to target the same segment of the electorate.

A recent IMR poll for REPORTER highlights a tightening contest between the two, with Annita Demetriou polling at 41% and Neofytou at 40% among party members, a sharp reduction from the 12-point lead Demetriou held in September. While 34% of respondents would support Neofytou as an independent candidate, his final decision on whether to follow official institutional channels remains pending. Analysts, including Yiannis Katsouridis and Nasios Orinos, note that the internal atmosphere has been strained since an August poll leak, leading to public discussions about trust and potential fractures within the party leadership.