DISI party faces internal crisis over presidential candidate selection

The Democratic Rally (DISI) party in Cyprus is facing internal tension following the decision by party leader Annita Dimitriu to withdraw from the race to determine the party’s candidate for the 2028 presidential election. Dimitriu stated her withdrawal was intended to prevent the kind of party division that previously facilitated the election of Nikos Christodulides.

Her decision has sparked disagreement among party officials, some of whom argue that such significant decisions should be made through collective party organs rather than individually. In response to the vacuum, some party executives have reportedly reached out to European Parliament Member Lukas Furlas as a potential third candidate, alongside existing contenders Averof Neofitu and Yorgos Pamboridis. Former Justice Minister Ionas Nikolau has also reportedly submitted candidacy documents.