**Title: EDEK Leadership Election Faces Controversy Over Excluded Voters**
*Date: September 5, 2026*
The leadership election of the Movement for Social Democracy (EDEK) is marred by controversy as claims emerge that over 700 party members have been barred from voting. The situation has sparked significant tension within the party, leading to disputes at polling centers across Cyprus, Athens, and London.
Reports indicate that the exclusion of these members is justified by the party leadership on the grounds that they did not support EDEK in previous elections. However, critics argue that the decision to exclude members was misapplied. According to sources, the Extraordinary Congress resolution that led to this exclusion was intended for those who had previously stood as candidates for other political parties, not merely for those who did not vote for EDEK.
At one polling center, tensions escalated when several individuals were denied their right to vote. Many of those affected expressed frustration, claiming they were removed from the membership register without prior consultation or notification. Among the notable cases is a member who reportedly was excluded despite having run as an EDEK candidate in the most recent local elections.
The controversy extends beyond the exclusions themselves, as questions have been raised regarding the legitimacy of the electoral rolls. Reports suggest that the lists used for the election were compiled by a Credentials Committee appointed by the Central Committee, rather than the Credentials Committee selected during the Extraordinary Congress. This discrepancy has added to the confusion and dissatisfaction among party members.
The issue of the membership register was previously addressed at EDEK’s Extraordinary Pancyprian Congress in July, indicating that concerns over membership rights and voting eligibility have been brewing for some time. As the leadership vote unfolds, the party faces the challenge of addressing these grievances while maintaining order and transparency in the electoral process.
The situation highlights underlying tensions within EDEK as it seeks to navigate its internal politics and the expectations of its members. As voting continues at multiple locations, the party's leadership will need to respond to these claims to restore confidence among its supporters and ensure a fair electoral process.
As of now, the outcome of the leadership election remains uncertain, with the potential for further disputes arising from the ongoing controversy over voter eligibility.