Averof Neofytou and Giorgos Pamboridis advance in DISY presidential nomination process

On October 22, 2026, former DISY president Averof Neofytou formally submitted his supporting signatures at the party's Pindarou headquarters in Nicosia. Neofytou, who arrived with boxes containing over 3,000 signatures, significantly exceeded the mandatory threshold of 500 required for candidacy. On the same day, Member of Parliament Giorgos Pamboridis also confirmed that he had finalized his collection of 500 signatures, establishing a two-way race for the party's nomination for the 2028 presidential elections.

Political tensions remain present as Pamboridis publicly challenged Neofytou to commit to supporting the eventual winner of the internal election and to refrain from seeking a presidential run if defeated. Pamboridis also criticized perceived toxicity within the party, calling for direct accountability regarding internal dissent. Meanwhile, former President Anastasiades has held separate consultations with both candidates, maintaining a stance of strict neutrality.

Candidates are scheduled to officially file their nominations on Monday, October 26. The internal party election is set to take place on November 28, 2026. The process serves as the preliminary stage for the party to determine its candidate for the national presidential contest, amidst efforts to maintain unity following the internal rift from 2023.