Will it be a two-way race or a three-way race in the Democratic Rally after all?
DISY is officially on track for internal party elections to select a candidate, and there are still questions surrounding what Averof Neophytou and Giorgos Pamboridis might do.
Anita Dimitriou, for her part, has already made her intentions clear, and according to what journalist George Chrysanthou, next Monday her close associates and campaign staff are expected to gradually begin the process of collecting signatures, so that they will have the required 500 signatures ready, 100 of which must come from the party’s Supreme Council.
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According to Alpha’s sources, Giorgos Pamporidis will also make an official announcement in the coming days. The decision appears to have been made; all that remains is the date, time, and manner in which he will make the official announcement, so that the process of collecting signatures can begin.
As for the big “mystery” surrounding Averof Neophytou, senior Synagermos officials who are very close to the former DISY President report that he has not even made it clear to them what he intends to do. However, people within Synagermos who are familiar with the individuals and the situation, explaining with full knowledge of the background, that Averof Neophytou’s independent run is gaining traction rather than his bid for the party nomination—though this has not yet been officially confirmed.
A change in the timeline has, however, been decided upon within the Democratic Rally, with the Political Bureau allowing time for those interested in the nomination for the 2028 presidential candidate.
The deadline for submitting candidacies is set for October 26, while the primary election will be held on November 28. This decision was also supported last night by Anita Dimitriou, who asked everyone to respect the party’s procedures, which—for the first time in DISY’s history— that the decision be made by the rank and file.
“We do not decide as the leadership or as the political bureau who our candidate will be. It is decided by all of our thousands of members, and that is what democracy means; that is what modernization means.”
Anita Dimitriou – DISY President
In fact, she asked—inside the hall—all party officials and organizations to endorse all candidates seeking the nomination, with the aim—obviously – to ensure that no one is put in a difficult position.
READ ALSO: “We Decided Unanimously”: DISY’s Statement Following the Political Bureau Meeting on Internal Party Matters
A process that Giorgos Pamboridis will certainly lead, while questions remain about Averof Neophytou’s next move.
The matter is settled
“There was no negotiation or exchange.”
Anita Dimitriou – DISY President
The party president also sought to put an end to the discussion about the much-talked-about dinner, at which—according to Averof Neophytou —he was given assurances by an associate of Anita Dimitriou that he would receive the party’s nomination.
“No commitment or agreement on this matter was ever made in my presence.”
Anita Dimitriou – President of DISY
And when asked if she would seek an agreement with Averof Neophytou, she referred to the party’s collective decisions and internal procedures.
READ ALSO: DISY’s internal party elections are set: When will the polls open for the presidential nomination?
“I am certain that Mr. Neophytou, Mr. Pamborides, and anyone else who is interested will take the Political Bureau’s decision into account and handle it appropriately for the good of our party.”
Anita Dimitriou – DISY President
The Day After
By general consensus and given the circumstances, the atmosphere at yesterday’s Political Bureau meeting was positive, despite the fact that there were some disagreements on internal party matters.
“We are moving forward strongly, we are moving forward united in accordance with our party bylaws for this electoral process, this celebration of democracy.”
Efthymios Diplaros – Deputy President of DISY
It should be noted that the Political Bureau decided to establish an electoral committee, which will oversee all procedural matters up until the day of the internal party elections.
See the report by Giorgos Chrysanthos:
