Party circles in AKEL consider the decision of General Secretary Andros Kyprianou not to reclaim an election to the party leadership to be normal and expected under the current circumstances. Andros Kyprianou announced his decision on the RIK show “Challenges”, noting that this is a decision he made a few months ago and had announced it to the Politburo of the party, which accepted it.
People within the party told politis.com.cy that the decision of the General Secretary of AKEL is judged as expected, if one considers the result of the parliamentary elections. Although a large portion of the party executives, he believes that the responsibility for the bad result of the elections should not fall on a single person.
As for his succession, according to AKEL party officials, although many names are heard, so far no one has officially submitted a candidacy. This will be done as we have been told near the party congress, which is scheduled for July 2-4.
The Congress, according to an announcement of the party, will determine the course and priorities of AKEL for the next five years, with the compass of the strong and effective presence and intervention of the party for the people and the homeland. It is worth noting that the Politburo of the Central Committee of AKEL will continue the discussion regarding the result of the parliamentary elections but also for the next day, tomorrow, June 6 at the meeting of the Central Committee of the Party.
Yesterday, Andros Kyprianou, when asked why he did not resign after the election result, replied that it would be criminal to lead the party to introversion, in view of the upcoming congress.
Referring to the result of the parliamentary elections, Mr. Kyprianou said that the Politburo, unanimously, has decided that the responsibilities are collective. Beyond that, he added, as the first among equals, he has his own responsibilities and assumes them.
Remarking that the names of George Loukaidis and Stefanos Stefanos are heard for the position of General Secretary, Andros Kyprianou limited himself to saying that both are remarkable, as are all the party executives. Regarding the characteristics of the new General Secretary, Mr. Kyprianou stated that in his opinion he should be a person with faith in the principles and politics of the party, to have honesty, sincerity and to be able to compose from various points of view that are heard.
Asked if he is interested in the presidency of the Parliament, he replied that AKEL will see how the goals of the Parliament and the party are best served, and will take decisions. He clarified, however, that AKEL is not going to support a candidate from ELAM or DISY.
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