Nicosia, Cyprus. Disy said it will exclude MP Nikos Sykas from its ballot for the upcoming parliamentary elections after he was accused of domestic violence by his wife.
Party decision on ballot
Disy announced on Monday that Sykas would be removed from the party’s election ballot. The party said its Politburo adopted a recommendation from the Executive Office not to include him on the ballot for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Immunity lifted for questioning
Sykas’ parliamentary immunity was lifted by the Supreme Court following a request from the Attorney General, allowing his interrogation in connection with a case involving alleged violence against his partner.
Complaint filed with Limassol police
Sykas’ wife filed a complaint with the Limassol police shortly after the start of the new year, alleging that he physically abused her while the couple was staying at a hotel in Greece on New Year’s Eve.
Sykas denies allegations
Sykas has denied the allegations in a Facebook post, writing that he categorically denies the complaint and the insinuations made against him.
Demetriou response
Disy president and House Speaker Annita Demetriou said the party maintains a zero-tolerance stance on violence. In a post on X, she said the party fully respects justice and the presumption of innocence, but that the investigation must be carried out immediately. Demetriou called for Sykas’ removal from the ballot, saying violence of any kind, especially violence against women, is incompatible with Disy’s values.
What do you think parties should do when an elected official faces serious allegations while an investigation is ongoing?