Akel sets conditions for backing a candidate in 2028 presidential election

Nicosia, Cyprus. Akel secretary-general Stefanos Stefanou has outlined the conditions a candidate must meet to secure the party’s backing in the 2028 presidential election, excluding those who do not prioritise a Cyprus settlement.

Speaking at an event marking Akel’s 100th anniversary, Stefanou said the party was working to form a broad social movement for “progressive change”.

Conditions for support

Stefanou said Akel would not support “a candidacy that does not prioritise the solution of the Cyprus problem on the agreed basis and framework”.

He also excluded candidates who would “serve the current model of governance, in which the well-being of numbers takes precedence over the needs of citizens”.

“A candidacy that will serve the interests of the few, preserving the shadows of corruption and collusion that stigmatised both the Anastasiades and the Christodoulides government, is not an option,” he said.

Broad social movement

Stefanou did not name a specific candidate for the 2028 election. He said Akel believed a majority social movement could be formed ahead of the vote.

“Our belief is that, in view of the next presidential elections, a majority social movement can be created to achieve progressive change. We are working to shape this majority movement,” he said.

Former presidential candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis attended the centenary event and was seated in the front row.

Mavroyiannis, who was backed by Akel in the 2023 presidential election and has maintained an interest in running again, lost to Nikos Christodoulides in the second round after receiving 48 per cent of the vote.

Criticism of government policy

Stefanou also criticised the government over energy, water, waste management and corruption, saying the country faced major risks in areas requiring long-term planning.

“The last two governments did not do what they should have done,” he said.