Nicosia, Cyprus. Former Akel MP Irene Charalambides is expected to officially confirm her support for former auditor-general Odysseas Michaelidis’ Alma movement at a press conference on Thursday, local media reported.
Press conference announcement
“I invite you to a press conference on the theme of current developments and the parliamentary elections,” Charalambides said.
Reported cooperation agreement
Politis reported that the announcement follows an agreement between Alma and Charalambides on the terms of their cooperation.
Independence request and statute change
Charalambides, who has run as an independent MP since leaving Akel, reportedly requested that her independence be assured when joining Alma’s ballot. In response, Alma’s interim executive secretariat amended its statutes, removing a requirement in the party’s regulations that candidates be party members.
Timeline since departure from Akel
Charalambides was officially removed from the Akel ballot on February 10 and had earlier indicated plans to run as a candidate elsewhere. Before officially leaving Akel, she said she intended to contest the parliamentary elections scheduled for May 24, with indications pointing to her leaning towards joining Alma’s ballot.
Previous denials and talks with Alma
Charalambides had continuously denied reaching any agreement with any party or formation as of late January. About a month later, she reportedly met with the Alma secretariat to discuss possible cooperation in the upcoming elections, while emphasising that she did not want to join Alma as a member but was open to cooperation ensuring her status as an independent MP.
Michaelides’ comments
Alma head Odysseas Michaelides told Politis on Tuesday that the meeting had a “positive result” and that some technicalities still needed to be discussed.
What do you expect Charalambides’ Thursday press conference to clarify about her role on Alma’s ballot?