AKEL initiates search for presidential candidate for the 2028 elections

The AKEL party has begun the preliminary procedures to select its candidate for the 2028 presidential elections in Cyprus. Despite a formal timeline aiming for a final decision by March 2027 through an Extraordinary Pancyprian Conference, the party leadership remains undecided on whether to choose a pure partisan candidate or reach out to individuals from outside its traditional political base, potentially including figures from the right.

Veteran diplomat Andreas Mavroyiannis has already publicly expressed his interest in the candidacy, a move that reportedly caused some friction among party cadres for being premature. However, it is confirmed that his name is included on the party's current shortlist. Unlike the 2023 electoral process, where decisions were delayed until June, the party intends to finalize its choice significantly earlier to ensure a well-organized campaign.

This development occurs amid broader political instability, with the DISY party reportedly experiencing significant internal pressure and President Nikos Christodoulides yet to formally announce his own intentions for the next electoral cycle. AKEL continues its internal consultations to determine the most viable path forward for the upcoming contest.