AKEL’s priority for the 2028 presidential elections is reaching policy convergences with other political forces, not choosing a specific person, the party’s general secretary, Stefanos Stefanou, reiterated on Monday. Speaking on Politis 107.6 & 97.6 radio’s “Morning Review” programme with Katerina Iliadi, he said AKEL will seek cooperation with opposition parties, but did not rule out fielding a candidate of its own, noting that this option is also within the party’s field of vision.
Policy agenda first, names second
Stefanou clarified, however, that what AKEL seeks first and foremost is to shape a common policy framework with other political forces, and then move on to discussing names.
The aim, he explained, is to choose a candidate around whom as many political forces as possible can come together.
“For us, the compass will be the policy agenda,” he said, adding that the party is seeking convergences on issues that define what it calls “progressive change”.
He also noted that any candidate will have to meet the demands relating to the Cyprus problem, the economy and society.
Contacts with the opposition, difficulties with DIKO
The AKEL general secretary said the party is about to begin a round of contacts with political forces in opposition that disagree with the current government.
Specifically, he said talks will be sought with Alma, the Ecologists and EDEK, while he did not rule out dialogue with DIKO, although he acknowledged that there are some difficulties where DIKO is concerned.
The first, he explained, is that DIKO is a key party supporting the government, backing policies that AKEL opposes. The second concerns the political direction of DIKO’s current leadership, which, in his assessment, has taken significant steps towards the right in recent years.
No contact with Yiasemides
Stefanou denied that any contacts have taken place with Tasos Yiasemides about a possible candidacy, making clear that neither he nor any other member of AKEL’s leadership has sounded him out.
He also clarified that no list of potential candidates has been drawn up and that discussion of names will follow contacts with the parties.
Mavroyiannis’ independent bid
As for Andreas Mavroyiannis, Stefanou noted that his statement that he will run regardless of AKEL’s decisions does not affect the party, as he is an independent figure who makes his own decisions.
He added that AKEL has maintained contact with him since the 2023 presidential elections, stressing that the party will not oblige anyone to follow a particular choice.
“Within the right timeframe”
Finally, the AKEL general secretary rejected the view that the party has been slow to move on the 2028 presidential elections, arguing that it is within the appropriate timeframe.
