Christodoulides says candidates have the right to announce their bids, but argues that the 2028 presidential election is still 17–18 months away.
‘Everyone has the right to announce a candidacy’
President Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday that anyone has the right to announce a presidential candidacy, while describing discussions surrounding the 2028 presidential election as premature.
Speaking to reporters as he arrived at the Cyprus Forum in Nicosia, Christodoulides was asked to comment on developments within the DISY.
“We are here, in cooperation with the legislative power, to provide solutions to the issues concerning citizens,” he said.
Christodoulides noted that it is September 2026, while the presidential election is scheduled for February 2028.
‘I believe it is too early’
“Without in any way overlooking or questioning the right of every fellow citizen or every political party to begin this pre-election campaign, I believe it is very early,” Christodoulides said.
He pointed to the challenges currently facing the country and said the executive branch wants to work with the legislature to address issues affecting citizens.
“We have very serious challenges before us,” he said, stressing the government’s intention to work with Parliament to provide solutions.
‘17–18 months before is too early’
“I believe that 17–18 months before, it is too early to start this discussion,” Christodoulides said.
He repeated that this did not challenge the right of any citizen or political party to begin the discussion.
His comments came after a series of developments within DISY concerning potential candidates for the February 2028 presidential election. Former DISY leader Averof Neophytou announced his candidacy on Sunday, while party leader and House President Annita Demetriou announced on Monday that she would seek the party’s nomination.
DISY has said that its statutory procedures will determine the party’s presidential candidate.
Also read: Annita Demetriou announced candidacy for presidential election
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