Volt Cyprus elected its new leadership, though the party’s Electoral Convention was marked by tensions.
The party’s new co-chairs are Pieros Karoullas and Lysia Dimitriou, who defeated Ioannis Tiridis and Natasa Ioannou.
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Non-parliamentary parties are on track for a facelift
The new vice-chairs are Rodoula Dimitriadou, who was elected unopposed, and Alexandros Apostolidis, who defeated Frixos Vryonidis.
Tensions and Interruption of Live Broadcast
The party’s electoral convention was marked by tensions.
Statements by former Member of Parliament Alexandra Attalidou provoked a strong reaction from the party’s former co-chair, Panos Loizos Parras, who was elected to the new Political Council, and caused tension in the hall.
Ms. Attalidou criticized the leadership’s handling of the “Sandy” case, while also referring to the electoral defeat in the May parliamentary elections, stating that members of the leadership had resigned and should now take a step back to make room for new faces.
He also spoke of personal ambitions that determine internal balances, of predetermined decisions, and of “criticism that is viewed as a threat.”
While expressing concerns about the bicommunal nature of the parties, citing the withdrawal of Turkish Cypriot members simply because they sought leadership positions—who, according to Ms. Attalidou, expressed concerns about the atmosphere and the treatment they received within the party.
At the same time, she pointed out that of the 527 registered members, there are now 327 registered members, and only 180 attended the Electoral Council meeting.
Attalidou’s remarks were followed, in a tense atmosphere, by a statement from the party’s former Co-Chair, Mr. Loizou Parra, who stated that he was running for office because he considers it his duty to help the party moving forward, and that it is up to the members to decide whether to elect him.
Meanwhile, in response to Attalidou’s remarks regarding the Turkish Cypriots, the former co-chair stated that the Turkish Cypriot candidates did not attempt to recruit new Turkish Cypriot members into the party, despite guidance from the leadership.
Meanwhile, the reference to a specific individual prompted a reaction from a party member, who noted that accusations should not be leveled against someone who is not present to respond.
Mr. Parra responded sharply, saying, “Your turn to speak will come,” and asked not to be interrupted.
Subsequently, the live broadcast of the session on YouTube was interrupted for 35 minutes before the proceedings to elect the members of the Political Council resumed.
