**Sophia Christodoulou Makri Becomes First Woman and Youngest Leader of EDEK**
*5 September 2026*
In a historic election held on Saturday, Sophia Christodoulou Makri, 27, has been elected as the president of the Movement for Social Democracy (EDEK), marking a significant milestone as the first woman and the youngest individual to lead the party since its establishment in 1969.
Christodoulou Makri secured 53% of the votes during the leadership elections, which were characterized by internal tensions and allegations of voter disenfranchisement. The unofficial results indicated that she received 1,191 votes, surpassing the required threshold of 50% plus one to claim victory. Her closest competitor, former Defence Minister Kyriakos Mavronikolas, garnered 788 votes, accounting for 35% of the total, while Giorgos Kouttoukis received 246 votes, or 11%.
The leadership election saw participation from approximately 8,000 eligible party members, with 2,233 casting their ballots across various district polling centers. However, the voting process was marred by controversy as reports emerged that over 700 members had been excluded from the electoral rolls. Party officials defended the exclusions, stating that those removed had not supported EDEK in previous elections. Critics, however, argued that the decision made during an extraordinary party congress was intended to apply only to members who had previously run as candidates for rival political factions, not to general voters.
Tensions escalated at some polling stations, where confrontations occurred as voters expressed frustration over being removed from the party registry without prior notification.
In terms of district voting results, Christodoulou Makri performed strongly in several areas, including Nicosia, where she received 389 votes, and Limassol with 279 votes. She also secured 294 votes in Paphos and 147 in Larnaca, while her support in Pyrgos Tyllirias and Athens was notably lower, with 46 and 11 votes respectively. Mavronikolas led in Famagusta, receiving 40 votes.
The election of Christodoulou Makri has been hailed as a progressive step for EDEK, reflecting a shift towards inclusivity and representation within the party. Her leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the party's policies and strategies as it navigates the current political landscape in Cyprus.
As the new president, Christodoulou Makri faces the challenge of unifying the party and addressing the concerns raised during the election process, particularly regarding voter disenfranchisement and internal divisions. Her ability to foster collaboration among party members and engage with the electorate will be crucial as she embarks on her leadership journey.
The election results have drawn attention not only for their historical significance but also for the potential implications they hold for the future of EDEK and its role in Cypriot politics. As the youngest leader in the party's history, Christodoulou Makri's tenure will be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.
In other news, the day of the election was also marked by a tragic incident involving the Hellenic Air Force, where two pilots died following the crash of an F-4 Phantom fighter jet during an air show in Greece. This incident has overshadowed the political developments in Cyprus, drawing condolences and attention from various sectors.
As the nation processes these events, the focus will remain on Christodoulou Makri and her leadership of EDEK as she seeks to navigate the challenges ahead and redefine the party's direction in the coming years.