AKEL has unanimously endorsed its Secretary General, Stefanos Stefanou, as the party’s candidate for the Presidency of the House of Representatives ahead of Thursday's inaugural sitting of the newly elected parliament.
The decision was taken during a plenary meeting of the party’s Central Committee, which was briefed by the leadership on the contacts and consultations held in recent weeks, as well as discussions within the Political Bureau regarding the emerging dynamics surrounding the election of the new House President.
Alma's support
In a statement, AKEL said the Central Committee approved the leadership’s handling of the process to date and reaffirmed its long-standing position that there can be “no dialogue and no contact with the far right”.
The party also stated that, as a matter of principle, cooperation with the Democratic Rally (DISY) was not possible.
According to AKEL, the Central Committee concluded that Stefanou possesses “the political and parliamentary experience, seriousness, democratic values and rational approach required for the position of President of the House” and unanimously agreed to put forward his candidacy.
The party further argued that Stefanou’s bid is currently the only candidacy backed by two parliamentary parties — AKEL and Alma – Citizens for Cyprus — giving it additional political weight ahead of the vote.
Broaden support
The Central Committee also instructed the Political Bureau to continue contacts and consultations with the remaining political parties, formally presenting Stefanou’s candidacy and exploring opportunities to broaden support.
At the same time, the Political Bureau was authorised to assess the political landscape up to the time of the vote and take final decisions regarding the stance of AKEL’s parliamentary group during the election process.
In its statement, the party said it would continue to build on the momentum generated by its electoral performance in the 24 May elections.
“The Central Committee assures all members of the Left, progressive citizens and the Cypriot people as a whole that AKEL will continue, with the renewed strength and momentum provided by the electoral success of 24 May, to fight and win for society,” the statement said.
It added that the party would continue to position itself as “the pole of democracy and progress” in Cyprus while working to build a majority for progressive political change in 2028.
The Central Committee’s decision significantly clarifies the political landscape ahead of Wednesday’s contest. For the first time, AKEL is officially entering the race for the Presidency of the House with its Secretary General as its candidate, seeking to forge broader parliamentary alliances in a fragmented legislature where no single political force holds sufficient votes to secure victory in the first round.
