With the completion of the submission of candidacies for the parliamentary elections of 24 May, on 6 May, the informal “transfer period” of the Cypriot political scene also came to an end, leaving behind intense political mobility and realignments. Figures from almost the entire political spectrum changed party affiliation, sought new political expression or joined newly established parties, reflecting the fluidity that characterised recent months before the finalisation of electoral lists.
These movements were not limited to isolated cases but indicated a broader reshuffling of political forces, with parties attempting until the very last moment to strengthen their ballots and broaden their electoral appeal. The continuous shifts reinforce a sense of uncertainty, while at the same time creating new conditions for the final shaping of the electoral outcome ahead of 24 May.
Stand‑out movements
Among the most characteristic cases is the move by Marios Pelekanos, who, after serving for years as a senior figure and vice‑president of DISY, ultimately joined ELAM, assuming the role of press spokesperson. This development carries strong political symbolism, as it reflects a shift further to the right of the political spectrum, with consequences for both the party of origin and the party of destination. Eugenios Hamboullas and Andreas Papacharalambous also moved from DISY to ELAM, with strong indications that Papacharalambous did so with the “blessing” of the presidential entourage, with which he maintains close ties.
In the same category falls the move of Andreas Apostolou from EDEK to DIKO, while Michalis Giakoumis, formerly of DIPA, also officially joined DIKO, strengthening efforts to widen the party’s reach in the centrist space and attract figures with diverse political backgrounds. These developments highlight the outflow of party figures in different directions and expose internal pressures facing traditional parties.
The most high‑profile 'transfer'
A prominent place in the pre‑election landscape is indisputably held by the case of Eirini Charalambidou, the most high‑profile and widely discussed political shift of the period. The manner in which her break with AKEL and its leadership took place, followed by her joining the ALMA movement alongside Odysseas Michaelides, triggered strong political reactions and redefined existing balances.
This move did not operate merely as an isolated event, but as an indication of the capacity of new political formations to attract figures with a strong public profile. It is recalled that Eirini Charalambidou topped the preference vote nationwide in the 2021 parliamentary elections. At the same time, the case underlines the difficulties faced by traditional parties in retaining highly recognisable personalities.
New formations
At the same time, the ALMA Movement has emerged as a key recipient of political transfers, bringing together people from different political starting points. Katerina Paparadamantous, with a background in EDEK and AICHMI; Marios Neophytou from AKEL and DIKO; Marios Stylianou and Panagiotis Evangelides from Neo Kyma; Petros Zarounas from DIKO; Andreas Cheimonides, who moved from DIKO to AKEL; and Michalis Paraskeva and Edmond Hagiouila from the Ecologists’ Movement form a diverse candidate list under the banner of the newly established party led by Odysseas Michaelides.
From the Ecologists’ Movement, Orestis Matsas moved to AKEL, as did Effie Xanthou, who joined Volt, while Marios Hannidis, after a brief stint with AKEL, returned to the EDEK ballot.
Particular interest surrounds the political trajectory of Andreas Themistocleous, who moved from DISY to ELAM and, following his expulsion, proceeded to establish a new political formation under the name Democratic National Movement, with which he is seeking re‑election.
The newly established Immediate Democracy party of Fidias Panayiotou also registered two arrivals from other parties. Journalist Dimitris Souglis joined after leaving ELAM, as did Avraam Themistocleous, who, after a brief stay with the newly formed ALMA, ultimately ended up with Immediate Democracy.
Finally, Roula Georgiadou, who emerged politically through Solidarity, is now a candidate with ELAM, while Dr Christos Clerides, who previously ran with Neoi Orizontes, went on to establish his own party, DIMAL, whose ballot he now leads.
