DISY clarifies internal procedures for presidential candidacy

On September 30, 2026, Efthymios Diplaros, Deputy President of the Democratic Rally (DISY), confirmed that Averof Neofytou, like any other party member, is eligible to seek the party's nomination for the presidential elections. Candidates must secure 500 signatures, including at least 100 from members of the Supreme Council, to participate in the internal selection process.

Approximately 50,000 party members will participate in the selection through voting stations to be established across all districts. Following a meeting of the Executive Bureau, Diplaros urged a cooling of public discourse and emphasized that the party aims to select its candidate before the end of 2026. He specifically noted that deadlines set for October 13 and November 14 are part of a long-planned schedule and do not constitute an acceleration of procedures.

These developments come amid recent internal party tensions over the nomination timeline. The party leadership now expects these issues to be resolved through collective bodies, aiming to restore unity and ensure the process continues smoothly without causing further concern among the party's base.