Alma movement announces new candidates following internal resignations

The transitional Executive Secretariat of the Alma - Citizens for Cyprus movement announced four new candidates for the 2026 parliamentary elections, bringing the total number of candidates to 48. The new nominees include Voula Kokkinou for Nicosia, Stella Simeou for Limassol, and Konstantina Plisi and Stelios Liperis for Larnaca. Stella Simeou replaces Nikos Stylianidis, who resigned from the ballot in protest against the party's decision to remove former MEP Demetris Papadakis. The party withdrew Papadakis's candidacy following allegations of inappropriate messages raised by journalist Makarios Drousiotis. Papadakis claims that a forensic examination of his mobile devices conducted by independent expert Alexis Mavros found no evidence of the alleged exchanges. While the party maintains the decision was political rather than legal, Stylianidis criticized it as hasty and unfair, citing his disagreement with the movement's handling of the matter as his reason for departure. The movement continues its selection process for the remaining eight spots on its ticket.