Demetriou leads Disy members’ preferences for 2028 presidential nomination

Nicosia, Cyprus. Annita Demetriou has emerged as the preferred candidate among Disy members for the party’s presidential nomination ahead of the 2028 elections, according to an IMR poll conducted for Reporter.

The survey found that 48 per cent of Disy members would support Demetriou in a possible nomination contest.

Nomination preferences

Averof Neophytou received 36 per cent support, 12 percentage points behind Demetriou.

George Pamborides, the only one of the three to have officially declared an interest in the nomination, received 7 per cent.

Around one in 10 respondents said none of the three was suitable to represent the party.

Electability assessment

Demetriou also held an advantage when respondents were asked which candidate had the strongest prospects in the presidential election.

Some 64 per cent identified her as the most electable candidate, while 58 per cent considered her the most versatile in attracting support beyond Disy’s traditional base.

Election strategy

The findings come as Disy prepares for a possible internal contest over its 2028 presidential candidate, with the survey indicating that the outcome could have implications for party unity after the nomination process.

A majority of respondents, 58 per cent, said Disy should contest the presidential election independently with a party candidate.

Meanwhile, 26 per cent preferred supporting President Nikos Christodoulides, while 13 per cent favoured cooperation with other political forces and the selection of a mutually accepted candidate.