EDEK to support Christofias in run off Cyprus presidential elections

The Political Bureau of the Movement of Social Democrats EDEK unanimously decided on Monday evening to propose to the Central Committee of the movement, which will convene on Wednesday, to support Demetris Christofias in the second round of presidential elections on February 24.
Speaking after the meeting, President of EDEK Yiannakis Omirou said the decision provides for the support of Christofias’ candidacy, adding that talks would continue towards finding an agreement on issues concerning the Cyprus problem, internal governance and Cyprus‘ participation in the EU.
He said the movement would like to see the political parties that supported the candidacy of outgoing President Tassos Papadopoulos to continue their cooperation.
”On Wednesday the Central Committee will convene and take the final decisions,” Omirou said, adding that he would be informing the parties that supported Tassos Papadopoulos.
A candidate needs to secure 50% plus one vote to be elected President. Since no candidate secured this majority in the first round, Joannis Kasoulides and Christofias pass into the run off election.
Kasoulides secured 33.51% of the vote in the first round of elections, which took place on February 17, followed by Christofias with 33.29% and outgoing President Tassos Papadopoulos, who was running for re-election, with 31.79%.
In the parliamentary elections of 2006, EDEK secured 8.91% of valid votes, translating into five seats.