Averof Neofytou submits bid for Disy presidential nomination

Former Democratic Rally (DISY) leader Averof Neofytou has officially submitted his nomination papers to represent the party in the upcoming presidential elections. Neofytou filed his bid on Thursday, October 22, supported by over 3,000 signatures, significantly exceeding the party’s requirement of 500 signatures distributed across specific districts. Following weeks of speculation and strategic ambiguity, his entry into the race sets the stage for a contested internal process against former health minister Giorgos Pamborides, who has also confirmed he has secured the necessary signatures to run.

Internal party dynamics remain volatile as the organization prepares for its electoral congress, scheduled for November 28. The party’s political bureau has moved to support all potential candidates, encouraging broad participation. Amidst the campaign, Pamborides has publicly challenged the political establishment and called for an agreement that none of the candidates will run as independents if defeated in the internal primary. While Pamborides has pledged to support Neofytou if he loses, he insists on receiving similar commitments from others. Meanwhile, the party continues to navigate internal recalibrations involving figures like Annita Demetriou and the ongoing influence of former President Nicos Anastasiades.