Mavroyiannis says polls place him first for 2028 presidential election

Nicosia, Cyprus. Former presidential candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis said on Friday that polls shared with him place him first for the 2028 presidential election, although he will wait until the end of the year before deciding whether to run again.

Poll findings

Speaking to Omega TV, Mavroyiannis said the only official poll he knew of was one leaked by Disy. However, he said four additional polls had separately reached him and all showed him in the lead.

He described the findings as “food for thought”, saying they, together with what he described as daily public support, indicated momentum was building around his name.

Decision on candidacy

Mavroyiannis said any decision would follow discussions with associates and people who supported his previous campaign. He confirmed that he and his team aim to settle the matter by the end of the year.

Relations with parties

Mavroyiannis described his relationship with Akel Secretary-General Stefanos Stefanou as “excellent”, saying the two hold regular informal meetings.

He said Akel was a large party with its own procedures and people, and that it would not be appropriate for it to appear that he was exerting pressure on the party.

Asked about reports that Alma had effectively vetoed his candidacy, Mavroyiannis said he could not confirm the claim. He said he had heard something similar but did not know whether it was true.

Mavroyiannis said he remained open to cooperation with Alma and other parties, adding that, as an independent, he welcomed all political forces except the far right.

Potential opponents

On former Disy leader Averof Neophytou, whom he has met on several occasions, Mavroyiannis rejected suggestions that Neophytou would be an easy opponent in a rematch.