AKEL general secretary addresses presidential election planning

On October 18, 2026, Stefanos Stefanou, General Secretary of the AKEL party, addressed the Famagusta Provincial Conference, denying claims that the party is lagging in its preparations for the 2028 presidential elections. He emphasized that with roughly 18 months remaining, the party is following its internal schedule and will be ready in time for the electoral campaign.

Stefanou criticized other political circles for engaging in premature, behind-the-scenes negotiations and focusing on personal ambitions rather than addressing urgent public issues such as inflation, the housing crisis, and inadequate incomes. He stated that AKEL’s primary focus remains on establishing a common programmatic foundation with other political forces and organized groups that seek progressive change and oppose current government policies. Furthermore, he reaffirmed the party’s commitment to resolving the Cyprus problem through a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

While rivals in the center-right have been described as already active in the pre-election process, Stefanou dismissed concerns regarding the delay, maintaining that the priority is to build alliances before discussing specific candidate names. The party aims to present a united front for change, moving away from short-term policies toward long-term strategic planning.