Cyprus communists elect first new leader in 20 yrs

Cypriot President Demetris Christofias stepped down as leader of the ruling Communist AKEL party on Wednesday after 20 years at the helm.

Moderate Andros Kyprianou succeeded Christofias, who became Cyprus's first communist president in February 2008.

Christofias, whose presidential term expires in 2013, said he would remain a party member.

Christofias began peace talks with Turkish Cypriots after his election last year and Kyprianou is deeply involved in rapprochement efforts.

Cyprus has been divided since a Turkish invasion of the island in 1974 triggered by a brief Greek inspired coup.

Although communist in structure, the AKEL espouses free market economics.

"They won't nationalise companies or introduce collective agriculture policies. They have always been a very pragmatic party," said political analyst Hubert Faustmann.

"In substance and policy they are a social democratic party which keeps up the facade of a communist party to appease grassroots members," he told Reuters.

Wednesday's election was by secret ballot. Kyprianou won 54 percent of the vote.