AKEL Political Bureau on the Presidential elections

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 27^th April 2017, Nicosia

In its session today the Political Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL conducted a first discussion on the 2018 Presidential Election.

All through this period AKEL remained committed to the efforts to reach a solution and did not engage in premature Presidential electioneering. As the elections are drawing near, AKEL is forced to initiate its own party procedures for the selection of a candidate. Regardless of the processes for the Presidential Elections, AKEL assures the Cypriot people that it will to the end remain committed to the effort to achieve a solution of the Cyprus problem based on principles and the agreed framework and that it will not proceed to any action that would overlook this goal.

The discussion in the session of the Political Bureau focused on setting out a policy framework in relation to the alliances AKEL will seek and on the criteria for supporting a candidate, as well as on the timetable of the required procedures.

In AKEL, the decision for the presidential candidate is taken through the democratic procedures provided for in the Statutes and Regulations governing the functioning of the Party. The view of the Party grassroots membership is taken into account and the final say rests with the Pancyprian Party Conference which is convened on the issue. A specific timetable for this procedure has been agreed that is scheduled to be completed in the beginning of July.

In the session of the Political Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL the position of the Programmatic Conference of AKEL has been reconfirmed that any cooperation/alliances must be sought not simply on the basis of general principles, but also on concrete programmatic convergences on fundamental political issues.

A real perspective can be created through:

1. Consistency to the goal of the liberation and reunification of Cyprus, within the framework of a bicommunal, bizonal federation.
2. Radical change in socio-economic policy and its replacement with a policy serving the people’s interests that will promote sustainable development and growth and strengthen the welfare state.
3. Progressive reform of the state and promotion of good administration.
4. Stamping out of intertwining interests and corruption.

Cyprus is at a crucial juncture. The need is imperative for a substantive change in the neoliberal governance of the country and the prospect for a hopeful future to be formed. AKEL, listening to the demand of the overwhelming majority of our people, will work with all its forces to create this perspective.