President Nicos Anastasiades clarified his position on supporting a candidate in the 2023 Presidential Elections. The only official candidate for the Democratic Rally is party President Averof Neophytou, but the interest of Nikos Christodoulides leaves the risk of a split in the party's voters visible.
Between the President of DISY and the former Foreign Minister of his government, President Anastasiades chooses his party.[/B] He stated this in an interview with journalist Yannis Kareklas and on Sigma's "No Turns" program, stressing that no one who loves this party can violate the constitution.
Explaining his position, the President noted that he has been serving the Democratic Rally since 1978 and stressed the love and passion he has for his party. "But what has always prevailed is compliance with the party's rules of operation. The party's constitution is one of the most modern constitution or rules of operation with the first and foremost emphasis on absolute democracy. No one who loves this party can violate the constitution, the party's rules of operation. It is the only way to maintain unity. Opinions must be expressed, voting procedures must be followed and the result must be respected," he said.
Asked to comment on whether he conveyed his concerns to Nikos Christodoulides, he said his love for the party dictated that he would advise those who might be interested what the party dictates.
"So yes, not once but repeatedly I have advised a capable and committed partner that there was no other choice if he was interested in the presidential election than to follow the course that the party's constitution prescribes."
He noted, however, that he did not stop there as he had a joint meeting with the President of DISY and the former Foreign Minister, during which questions were asked and answers given by Averof Neophytou. "I think they (the answers) should satisfy any concerns of Mr Christodoulides. It is his right, he is a free man to decide what he thinks can serve noble ambitions. At the same time, love for the party and the people of the party should be taken into account. In no way should anyone contribute to a rift within the party."
Where will he cast his vote
Asked to answer about his final choice in the presidential election he replied "my party" saying that he will fully respect the procedures that my party provides for. "The party according to the procedures chose or will choose in March its President, Mr. Averof Neophytou".
With the possibility of the Democratic Rally experiencing a similar scenario in 2003, when Glafkos Clerides decided to run as a candidate and his colleague Alekos Markides as an independent, President Anastasiades said he was trying in every way to prevent it.
"I will not stop making efforts even now. I am in constant contact with the President of the party about this and with those who I think can influence situations," he noted.
He noted that on March 12 he will be present at the DISY Political Conference in his capacity as a party official and not as President of the Republic and made it clear that he will try not to get involved in the election campaign so as not to interfere with the independence that the President of the Republic must maintain.
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