DISY leadership calls for unity ahead of 2028 presidential race

The leadership of the Democratic Rally (DISY) party in Cyprus has intensified efforts to maintain internal unity following the decision of party president Annita Demetriou to withdraw from the 2028 presidential race. The party leadership issued a statement on October 12, 2026, urging all members and candidates to refrain from personal disputes and maintain a low profile during the upcoming internal selection process for the party's presidential nominee.

Key figures, including the party's Government Work Monitoring Council, have committed to providing equal conditions for all contenders, seeking to overcome internal divisions that have persisted since the 2023 elections. While DISY is moving forward with the selection process, with candidate nominations scheduled for October 26, 2026, internal polls indicate that a significant portion of the party base remains supportive of President Nikos Christodoulides, complicating the party's strategy for the next cycle.

Meanwhile, other parties across the Cypriot political spectrum are also finalizing their own procedures. ELAM is set for provincial elections on October 24, EDEK holds its statutory conference on October 25, and AKEL is currently outlining its roadmap for selecting a candidate, having not yet finalized any names.