Newsroom
Giorgos Pamborides and Averof Neofytou formally entered the race for DISY’s presidential nomination Monday, with both delivering the same assurance to party members: Whoever wins should have the party behind him.
The nomination process closed at 12:30 p.m., confirming the two contenders for the party’s backing in the 2028 presidential election. Members will make their choice at an extraordinary nationwide electoral convention on Saturday, Nov. 28.
Asked whether he would support the outcome, Neofytou said it went without saying. Pamborides, arriving later at the party’s Nicosia headquarters, welcomed that commitment and said he shared it.
The exchange addressed a question hanging over the contest: whether the campaign will leave DISY ready to rally around one candidate.
Neofytou arrived with his wife, Maria Selippa, to supporters chanting his name. The former party leader called on members and senior figures to unite behind their eventual nominee and campaign for a change of government.
He also brought his remarks closer to voters’ daily concerns, speaking about young people struggling with rent and electricity bills, pensioners unable to make ends meet, and small businesses burdened by bureaucracy.
Pamborides, a former health minister, said he was moved to submit his candidacy and looked forward to a campaign of substance. He emphasized the party’s responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the internal election and expressed confidence that the process would leave DISY stronger.
Both had submitted their supporting paperwork last week. Neofytou delivered five boxes containing more than 3,000 signatures Thursday, while Pamborides submitted his forms Friday.
Monday’s filings formally set the contest in motion. The next vote will choose who carries DISY’s banner into the presidential election in 2028.
