DISY sets date for presidential nomination process amid internal uncertainty

The Democratic Rally (DISY) in Cyprus has officially entered a pre-election cycle to select its candidate for the 2028 presidential elections. The party has scheduled the formal submission of candidacies for October 26, 2026, followed by a primary election on November 28, where approximately 49,000 registered party members are eligible to vote. This marks a significant shift as, for the first time, the selection process is open to the entire party base.

Party leader Annita Demetriou has confirmed her candidacy, while former health minister George Pamboridis officially announced his entry into the race, seeking to unify the party’s grassroots and appeal to a broader ideological spectrum. Meanwhile, former DISY president Averof Neofytou has requested the necessary nomination forms, including the requirement for 500 member signatures, but he has refrained from confirming whether he will participate in the internal party process or run as an independent candidate. Neofytou maintains that his presidential ambitions are directed toward society as a whole rather than a specific party.

Separately, the party's youth wing, NEDISY, is scheduled to hold leadership elections on November 21. Political analysts observe that the ongoing internal competition reflects deep-seated divisions following the 2023 elections, with the party now aiming to settle its candidate selection well in advance to avoid further instability.