Sooner than they would have liked, but without rushing or resorting to erratic moves, AKEL is kicking off its 2028 election campaign.
According to a report in Sunday’s Alpha, the party plans to begin internal procedures in October, with the formulation of the political framework to be discussed by the Party’s Grassroots Groups, followed by exploratory talks with other parties, organized groups, and prominent figures. Behind the scenes, however, unofficial contacts with EDEK, ALMA, Volt, and the Green Party appear to be already underway.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The end of political parties
AKEL’s stated goal is to complete its internal party process by March at the latest by convening an Extraordinary Pan-Cypriot Conference, which will select the party’s candidate for the presidential election.
“At the event marking the party’s 100th anniversary, the General Secretary of AKEL had outlined the general framework of a candidacy that the party could support: priority on resolving the Cyprus problem, attracting broader progressive forces, no discussions with anyone associated with the governments of Nicos Anastasiades and Nicos Christodoulides, nor with anyone tainted by corruption.”
Alpha tis Kyriakis
The list of names is long. The first to put his name on it was Andreas Mavrogiannis, with reports indicating that this public expression of interest—which some viewed as premature—has caused annoyance among certain officials, to the point that the possibility of renewed cooperation between the two sides has been ruled out.
“The party candidacy of Secretary-General Stefanos Stefanou remains on the table. A name that has recently been added to the list is that of former EDEK economist Tassos Yiasemidis, following a recommendation by the EDEK President during a meeting with the AKEL leadership. Achilleas Dimitriadis is also one of the names being discussed in AKEL circles. The same applies to Christos Stylianides, who in fact had a meeting in Athens with AKEL officials on an undisclosed topic. Among the names being mentioned are that of the Chair of the Law Department at the University of Cyprus, Kostas Paraskevas, as well as that of the Mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos.”
Alpha tis Kyriakis
It should be noted that in recent statements, Stefanos Stefanou made it clear that the party will first draft its proposal for the country’s governance and then begin a round of discussions with potential candidates.
A week of behind-the-scenes maneuvering is expected within the Democratic Party, making calm impossible, following last Thursday’s rapid developments and the withdrawal of Anita Dimitriou from the race for the party’s nomination.
While awaiting potential new candidates, Averof Neophytou and Giorgos Pamporidis are counting their votes and aim to secure as many votes as possible from the camp of the DISY President.
However, in an interview with “Kathimerini”, one of Annita Dimitriou’s close associates, the coordinator for monitoring the government’s work, Michalis Ioannidis, makes it clear that he has made his choice.
“At this stage in the internal party process, I support Giorgos Pamboridis because we agree on the direction of reform, and because he adheres to a clear anti-populist line.I want to make it clear that this is my personal position, and it does not reflect the views of either the President or the party itself.”
Michalis Ioannidis
A statement that pleased Giorgos Pamporidis.
“Thanks for the support, my friend @moioannides. Welcome! My candidacy aims to unite the Synergarmos grassroots so that, together, we can convincingly appeal to all voters, regardless of their political affiliation, so they can embrace our vision for a modern, European Cyprus. Join us. Let’s turn the page and strive for a better tomorrow.”
George Pamboridis
Michalis Ioannidis adds that Pamporidis’s criticism is constructive, while at the same time, Averof Neophytou’s criticism of the DISY leadership—that it is pursuing a policy of tacit coalition—is a sweeping generalization and echoes the arguments of the party’s opponents.
As for potential new candidates, nothing has been made official yet. The names of Ionas Nikolaou, Loukas Fourlas, and Haris Georgiadis may have been floated, but no one can say with certainty whether there will ultimately be a third—or perhaps even a fourth—candidate.
