It’s hard but not impossible for a much-hoped 2023 presidential elections alliance between the island’s largest opposition parties Akel-Diko to still be forged, insiders told Philenews.
Both main opposition Akel leader Stefanos Stefanou and centre Diko’s Nicolas Papadopoulos seem keen to prevent an imminent deadlock in the negotiations.
Akel insiders want Papadopoulos to clarify whether he is willing to discuss any other possible joint candidate.
One thing for sure is that both sides want the alliance issue to be a closed chapter before the upcoming Orthodox Easter break.
Stefanou and Papadopoulos began sounding each other in March with both saying they agree on the general premise for the need of a change in government.
Akel seem to be waiting for Diko to either drop another name on the negotiating table, or to accept to discuss other possibilities.
Specifically, it is understood that the “short list” of names Akel put on the table and who did not find a positive response from Diko can now be expanded.
