Sofia Christodoulou Makri has been elected president of the Movement for Social Democracy (EDEK), becoming the first woman to take the helm of the Cypriot political party.
Makri secured 1,191 votes, or 53.5% of the valid ballots, in Saturday's internal leadership election, winning the presidency in the first round. Koullis Mavronicolas finished second with 788 votes (35.4%), while Giorgos Kouttoukis received 246 votes (11.1%).
The result opens a new chapter for EDEK following a prolonged period of internal divisions and introspection.
Makri leads in six of seven polling centres
Unofficial results from the seven polling centres showed Makri finishing first in six locations, with Mavronicolas taking the lead only in the Famagusta district.
In Nicosia, where 876 EDEK members voted, Makri narrowly led with 389 votes, compared with 370 for Mavronicolas and 113 for Kouttoukis. One blank and three invalid ballots were recorded.
Makri secured a more decisive lead in Paphos, receiving 294 votes against 200 for Mavronicolas and 30 for Kouttoukis.
In Limassol, Makri received 279 votes, followed by Mavronicolas on 89 and Kouttoukis on 80. One invalid ballot was recorded.
In Larnaca, 223 members went to the polls, with Makri securing 147 votes. Mavronicolas received 63 and Kouttoukis 12, while one ballot was invalid.
Mavronicolas takes Famagusta
The only polling centre where Makri did not finish first was in Famagusta.
Mavronicolas received 40 votes in the district, compared with 25 for Makri and four for Kouttoukis.
Makri recorded strong results elsewhere, receiving 46 votes in Pyrgos Tyllirias, against 23 for Mavronicolas and six for Kouttoukis.
In Athens, where 15 EDEK members voted, Makri received 11 votes, while Mavronicolas secured three and Kouttoukis one.
More than 2,200 members cast ballots
According to EDEK's official announcement, a total of 2,233 members voted across the election, with 2,225 valid ballots.
The final results were:
- Sofia Christodoulou Makri: 1,191 votes (53.5%)
- Koullis Mavronicolas: 788 votes (35.4%)
- Giorgos Kouttoukis: 246 votes (11.1%)
EDEK's deputy president, leadership and members congratulated Makri on her election.
Her victory makes her the first woman to serve as president of EDEK and comes as the party seeks to move beyond a period marked by internal tensions and renew its political direction.
