The President of the Democratic Party (DIKO), Nicolas Papadopoulos, in an official statement after the announcement of the final results of the first round of the presidential elections, said the following: "Today, civil society has spoken, and has embraced the independent candidacy of Nicos Christodoulides. I would like to thank the thousands of our fellow citizens who came to the polling stations and exercised their right to vote, even increasing the amount of participation compared to the 2018 presidential elections and the 2021 parliamentary elections. I would also like to thank all public servants, police officers, and of course the election supervisors, for their long hours of work, which continues even now. And of course, I especially want to thank all the volunteers, all the volunteers, the Democratic Party officials for their effective work. Today we had the first part of an electoral process, which will be completed next Sunday. Therefore, pending the conduct of the second round and with full respect for the process, but also with modesty towards the citizens, we express our satisfaction with the victory of the independent candidate Nikos Christodoulides. His proposal for unity and collegiality, as well as his determination to form a government of national acceptance, was welcomed by the majority of the electorate. Today there are no winners and losers. Tonight, as in the months that preceded it, and in the days to come, we address the entire Cypriot people, from the right, the centre, and the left, with modesty, with sincerity, but with an eye to the future. We reiterate our call for unity, collectivity and cooperation. We will build on what unites us, for a strong economy, with fiscal stability, aiming for growth and social cohesion, committed to the European role of the country, and certainly seeking a workable and viable solution to the Cyprus problem. With the person who has proven to be able to unite the Cypriot people to the greatest possible extent, and that person is Nikos Christodoulides. Friends, compatriots, we continue the election campaign. We continue with arguments and not with confrontations. With what unites us, and not with what divides us. With the aim of vindicating society in the future, not vindicating ourselves for the past. For a Cyprus that is free, prosperous, democratic, modern and European. We continue for the Cyprus that our people deserve. Thank you very much."
Responding to a reporter's question on whether he will be able to convince the majority of voters who voted for unopposed candidates who did not make it to the second round to support the candidacy of Nicos Christodoulides, Papadopoulos said: "I believe that the initiatives belong to the candidate we support, Nikos Christodoulides. He should put forward his political proposals, his political messages, to convince society so that he can be the winner of the second round of the presidential elections. Therefore we will support this effort in any way he asks us."
(AF/IK)
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