Government says 2028 election discussions are premature as presidential hopefuls emerge

Nicosia, Cyprus. The government has described discussions about the 2028 presidential election as premature following successive candidacy announcements by Averof Neophytou and Disy leader Annita Demetriou. Deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou first expressed that position, followed by President Nikos Christodoulides.

Early start to the campaign

With October beginning, 16 months remain until Cyprus elects a new president. If the campaign is considered to have started now, it will occupy the final quarter of the current presidential term, which began in March 2023.

Neophytou, Disy’s candidate at the previous presidential election, linked the timing of his announcement to a lack of progress on the Cyprus problem at last month’s United Nations General Assembly. While Christodoulides was in New York, Neophytou warned that he would announce his candidacy if no results were achieved.

After Christodoulides returned without results, Neophytou declared his candidacy last Sunday. At a press conference on Tuesday, he said his warnings on the Cyprus problem had fallen on “deaf ears”.

Disy responded swiftly by stressing that its internal party regulations would be followed. Demetriou announced her own candidacy on Monday afternoon.

Other prospective candidates

Former health minister George Pamboridis had already announced in July, 19 months before the election, his intention to run for president on Disy’s ticket.

Former Greek Cypriot chief negotiator for the Cyprus problem Andreas Mavroyiannis is also seeking Akel’s backing for a second successive presidential campaign. The party has yet to indicate its position.

President points to current challenges

Asked on Wednesday about his own intentions for 2028, Christodoulides said: “Without wishing to doubt the right of any party or any compatriot to begin its election campaign, I believe it is too early.”

“We have before us very serious challenges, to which the executive branch, in cooperation with the legislative branch, must offer solutions,” he added.

A month earlier, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said during a television appearance that his party, Diko, would endorse Christodoulides’ re-election campaign.