The candidate for the Presidency of the Republic, President of the Democratic Rally (DISY) Mr. Averof Neophytou, in an official statement after the announcement of the final results of the first round of the presidential elections, said the following. A party with principles and values and with people who stand by the Democratic Rally for what we believed in, our united Cyprus, our strong economy, so that we can have decent citizens.
The result of the vote is fully respected. I have already congratulated my running mates, Mr Christodoulides and Mr Mavroyiannis, on their success in getting through to the second round. We fought a tough fight in the most politically adverse conditions. We achieved a result very close to the party's percentage in the parliamentary elections and even received more votes than in the last parliamentary elections. But it was not enough. I thank from the bottom of my heart those who trusted us, who gave their best, who stood by our historic party and its ideas, and who walked with us on this wonderful journey, despite the effort of the split. And I thank not only the Coalitionists, but also those who rallied believing in our principles and programme. They must hold their heads high because they remained committed and defended values that will sooner or later be vindicated.
The decision for the next day is a collective one. The Democratic Rally is a democratic party with strong institutional processes. Its organs will evaluate the result and our further stance. One thing is certain, one thing is certain: the Democratic Rally will remain united and strong, a protagonist in Parliament and in society. I will remain personally committed to this lofty mission. I owe it to the struggles and to what you have done, not only in recent months, but also to what Glafkos Clerides bequeathed to us with his principles, values and beliefs. It is a beacon for the Democratic Rally for his principles of national vindication, a strong economy and decent citizens. Thank you very much."
Responding to journalists' questions about how DISY will proceed next, Neophytou said, among other things, the following: "I have said it during the pre-election, I declare it tonight. I am acting institutionally. Do not confuse me with others." He went on to say that the party's political bureau will meet tomorrow to take decisions. He said he has an opinion and will express it at the political bureau meeting. He also announced his candidacy for the presidency of the Democratic Rally.
In response to a question, Neophytou said: "Any decision is a decision of the political office. There are no other bodies to decide. We talk, we chat, but we have a statute that we respect. We operate institutionally and within the strict rules that govern the constitution of our historic party. In a democratic manner, with open dialogue. This is how we in the Democratic Rally decide, which is why we have been the dominant force for decades and we will continue to be the protagonists."
Asked about the meeting he had tonight, at the Presidential Palace, with the President of the Republic Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, the President of DISY said: "As after every election, it is the norm for the party to talk with the President of the Republic who is also the Honorary President of the Democratic Rally. We discussed what I have just stated."
In conclusion, Neophytou thanked all those who worked for "the flawlessness of the elections" and congratulated the citizens who came to the polls, as well as all his runners-up.
(MK/IK)
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