Former DISY president Averof Neophytou officially entered the race for the party's nomination for the 2028 presidential election on Monday, submitting his candidacy at the party's headquarters in Nicosia.
Neophytou arrived at Pindarou at 11:30am accompanied by his wife, Maria Selipa, in what marks the formal beginning of his attempt to return to frontline politics following his defeat in the 2023 presidential election.
"Returning to my home, my family"
Speaking upon his arrival, Neophytou began by referring to the anniversary of the liberation of Thessaloniki, describing it as an important day for Hellenism and Christianity and expressing the hope that Cyprus would one day celebrate its own freedom.
He then turned to his return to DISY headquarters, where he served as party leader for many years.
"I come today with a sense of responsibility and emotion to my own home, to my own family, to submit my candidacy to the judgment of the thousands of members of the Democratic Rally."
Neophytou described the process as an important celebration of democracy and of the party itself, noting that, for the first time, DISY members will directly choose the party's presidential nominee through a vote.
