Andreas Themistocleous, the leader of the Democratic National Movement (DEK), on Wednesday filed his candidacy at the top of his party’s ballot in the Limassol district.

“For DEK, today is a historical day. It is the first time that we are demanding entry into parliament. We hope that the people will vote with the right criteria. We hope for a result which will give strength to our people,” he said.

He added that he hopes that May 25, the day after the election, “will be the first day of a future to which we will look forward with optimism”.

Themistocleous first became an MP in 2013, when he was promoted to the House, then as a member of Disy, when Nicos Anastasiades vacated his seat to become president.

He failed to win re-election in 2016, and later joined Elam, regaining his place in parliament in 2021, before being ejected from the party just four months after that year’s election.

Since then, he has sat as an independent in parliament, forming DEK in 2024.

A total of 12 of the 56 MPs elected will be from the Limassol district.