**Poll Puts Annita Demetriou as Top Contender for Disy Presidential Race**
In a recent poll conducted by IMR for the news outlet Reporter, Annita Demetriou has emerged as the frontrunner among members of the Democratic Rally (Disy) for the party's presidential nomination ahead of the 2028 elections. The survey indicates a significant lead for Demetriou, with 48% of Disy members expressing support for her candidacy. This positions her ahead of fellow party member Averof Neophytou, who garnered 36% of the support, creating a 12-percentage point gap between the two. George Pamborides, the only candidate to have officially declared his interest in the nomination, received just 7%.
The poll also explored perceptions regarding the electability of the candidates in a potential presidential election. A notable 64% of respondents identified Demetriou as the most electable candidate, while 58% viewed her as the most versatile in attracting support beyond Disy’s traditional voter base. These findings suggest that Demetriou's appeal may extend beyond the party, which could be crucial in a competitive electoral landscape.
As Disy prepares for what could be an internal contest for its presidential candidate, the survey results underscore potential implications for party unity following the nomination process. A majority of respondents, 58%, expressed a preference for Disy to contest the presidential election independently with its own candidate. In contrast, 26% indicated support for President Nikos Christodoulides, while 13% favored collaboration with other political forces to select a mutually acceptable candidate.
The poll also highlighted the significance of the Cyprus problem as a determining factor in candidate selection. Approximately 30% of respondents identified this issue as the most important criterion when considering potential candidates. This focus aligns with Averof Neophytou's recent political statements, although the survey did not clarify whether those prioritizing the Cyprus problem support his stance or oppose him.
Furthermore, the poll examined potential reactions among party members if their preferred candidate were to lose the internal contest. A substantial 22% indicated they would probably or definitely not vote for the official Disy candidate if that individual was not their preferred choice. Additionally, 23% expressed willingness to support a Disy figure who contested the presidential election independently after losing in the internal party process. These figures suggest that a significant minority of the party's electorate may be reluctant to support the eventual nominee, depending on the outcome of the selection process.
The survey also probed opinions on the prospect of a Disy executive running for president outside the party's established procedures. Responses were mixed, with 30% viewing such a move as a democratic right, while 27% characterized it as excessive personal ambition. A further 38% expressed a more negative view, considering it an act of party betrayal.
The poll was conducted with a sample of 700 Disy members and eligible voters over the age of 18, providing a snapshot of the party's internal dynamics as it approaches the 2028 elections. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the findings may play a critical role in shaping the strategies and decisions of Disy leaders and members in the lead-up to the presidential race.