Averof Neophytou and George Pamporidis are heading to the fifth floor of the Pindarou building, where they have been summoned on short notice for separate meetings, in the office of Democratic Alarm President Annita Dimitriou.
According to reports, she personally extended the invitation by phone to Neophytou and Pamporidis following the morning meeting of the DISY Executive Bureau, which discussed the internal party process for the “nomination” of the candidate for the 2028 Presidential Election.
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A well-informed source told AlphaNews.Live that the separate meetings could potentially turn into a joint meeting among the three contenders in the electoral “race,” which could potentially signal rapid developments regarding the current situation within DISY.
SEE ALSO: Averof Neophytou: He has thrown himself into the battle to collect signatures, fueling speculation about an intra-party run
The mobilization on Pindarou Street appears to be linked to the intention publicly expressed by Giorgos Pamporidis for consultation among the three, as well as to the question of whether Averof Neophytou participate in the intra-party process.
Currently, DISY’s official decision is to accept nominations until October 26, 2020, and to hold a Pan-Cyprian Electoral Assembly on November 28.
READ ALSO: Averof is making phone calls to gather signatures: What Kousiou expects will happen in DISY’s internal elections
As reported last night by Alpha Cyprus on the station’s Main News Bulletin, Averof Neophytou isn’t revealing his hand, but nothing is hidden— as some who are likely included on the list of his 500 supporters are speaking out and confirming that they have been approached by the former president or his associates to sign in support of his candidacy. So far, the talk has been of union members and rank-and-file members of DISY, rather than high-profile figures in the party’s leadership.
“Two people told me they were approached by Mr. Averof’s office to sign the form. So it appears we’ll have three candidates for the internal party process.”
Elena Kousiou – Deputy Press Spokesperson for DISY
Even members of the leadership who until yesterday appeared cautious spoke to ALPHA today about strong indications of an internal party candidacy. The former president may be able to secure 250 signatures following the decision by the political bureau, according to which members of the party’s highest bodies may sign in support of any candidate.
However, Pindarou is anxiously monitoring the former president’s moves, waiting until the very end, since even if he enters the internal party race, they want to see whether he will respect whatever the outcome may be. George Pamporidis is also in the process of gathering signatures, while Anita Dimitriou will first make an official announcement.
Close Monitoring
DIKO is weighing all possibilities at a time when, although there is communication with the party leadership, high-level meetings have become less frequent. The President’s Office continues to invest in the party’s support, even as part of the leadership deliberately keeps its distance.
“The level of cooperation is considered very good and very high.”
Konstantinos Letympiotis – Government Spokesperson
“Even under Tassos Papadopoulos in 2008—back in 2007, the Central Committee convened. If you do that for the former president himself, you’ll do the same for anyone else you need to evaluate.”
Giorgos Solomou – General Secretary of DIKO
AKEL will soon begin talks with other parties regarding potential collaborations centered on specific individuals, while ELAM will make its decisions in February and beyond, without ruling out support for Christodoulides.
