# Averof Neofytou 2028 presidential candidacy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/averof-neofytou-2028-presidential-candidacy > Updated: 2026-10-10T05:01:33.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 7. The internal contest for the Democratic Rally (DISY) presidential nomination has shifted following reports that party leader Annita Demetriou has withdrawn from the race. Her decision follows a meeting in Nicosia with fellow contenders Averof Neofytou and Giorgos Pamboridis intended to seek consensus and preserve party unity. In her formal announcement, Demetriou stated that her decision was made independently and without any external pressure or conditions. She emphasized her role as a ‘guardian of unity,’ noting that her primary goal is to prevent internal divisions that could be ‘catastrophic’ for both the party and the country. She noted that such a split could undermine efforts for the upcoming presidential elections. Her withdrawal has sparked disagreement among party officials, with some arguing that such significant decisions should be made through collective party organs rather than individually. This has created a leadership vacuum, leading some party executives to reportedly reach out to European Parliament Member Lukas Furlas as a potential candidate to join Neofytou and Pamboridis. Additionally, former Justice Minister Ionas Nikolau has reportedly submitted candidacy documents. Prior to her withdrawal, reports indicated Demetriou might step aside if Neofytou adhered to internal party processes rather than running independently, provided he committed to backing the eventual winner. Neofytou, however, has maintained that he will not be ‘dragged behind anyone,’ and his camp continues to collect signatures for a formal candidacy. As previously established, DISY has scheduled an Extraordinary Pan-Cyprian Electoral Assembly for November 28, following the October 26 deadline for candidacy submissions. ## Claims - Averof Neophytou announced his candidacy for the 2028 presidential elections. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The DISY leadership stated that any candidate seeking the party's endorsement must follow official internal procedures. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Neophytou cited the lack of progress on the Cyprus problem in New York as a reason for his bid. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Neophytou's announcement did not explicitly mention the DISY party. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Anita Demetriou announced her intention to seek the party's nomination for the presidential elections. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Former President Nikos Anastasiades expressed concern that Neophytou’s announcement could risk party division. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Neophytou suggested that previous agreements regarding political support had been breached. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou described Neophytou’s rhetoric regarding the Cyprus problem as counterproductive. (single source) - The announcement of Neophytou's candidacy has placed pressure on the DISY party leadership. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-10: DISI party faces internal crisis over presidential candidate selection Cyprus's DISI party faces internal crisis after leader Annita Dimitriu withdrew from the 2028 presidential candidate selection process, prompting calls for Lukas Furlas as an alternative candidate. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/disi-party-faces-internal-crisis-over-presidential-candidate-selection ### 2026-10-08: Annita Demetriou withdraws from DISY leadership race DISY President Annita Demetriou has withdrawn from the race for the party leadership to prioritize party unity ahead of the 2028 presidential elections, stating the decision was made without pressure. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/annita-demetriou-withdraws-from-disy-leadership-race ### 2026-10-06: Annita Demetriou reportedly withdraws from Disy presidential race Disy leader Annita Demetriou has reportedly withdrawn from the party’s 2028 presidential nomination race, leaving Averof Neophytou and Giorgos Pamborides to compete for the candidacy. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/giorgos-pamboridis-criticizes-disy-leadership-race-maneuvers ### 2026-10-02: Cyprus political parties adjust strategies for 2028 presidential elections Cyprus political parties DIKO and DISY are navigating internal shifts and timeline changes regarding their 2028 presidential candidates. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/democratic-party-begins-internal-processes-for-2028-elections ### 2026-09-29: Averof Neophytou announces 2028 presidential candidacy Averof Neophytou held a press conference in Nicosia following his announcement as a candidate for the 2028 Cyprus Presidential Elections, focusing on the Cyprus problem and economic policy. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/averof-neophytou-announces-2028-presidential-candidacy-1 ### 2026-09-27: Averof Neophytou announces 2028 Cyprus presidential candidacy Former DISY leader Averof Neophytou has announced his candidacy for the 2028 Cyprus presidential elections, citing stalled progress on the Cyprus problem and sparking internal party debate. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/averof-neofytou-announces-2028-presidential-candidacy ### 2026-09-24: Averof Neofytou declares 2028 presidential candidacy intent Former DISY leader Averof Neofytou has announced his intention to run in the 2028 Presidential Elections, causing friction within his party over whether he will run through DISY or as an independent. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/averof-neofytou-declares-2028-presidential-candidacy-intent --- Cite as: Averof Neofytou 2028 presidential candidacy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/averof-neofytou-2028-presidential-candidacy