The people have spoken. A big majority has expressed its will for a real, creative and promising change,” said the candidate for the presidency of the Republic, Stavros Malas after securing a place in the runoff election against incumbent President Nicos Anastasiades, on the 4th of February.
Speaking to reporters after the final results were announced, independent Malas, who garnered 30.3% of the vote with the backing of left wing AKEL, said “with the strength and the will of the majority we leave behind yesterday, we put an end to the divisions of the past, we turn a page and look forward to the future with optimism, confidence and determination.”
On the road to the second round of the elections, “we will set forth the foundation for national unity,” he said, adding that with responsibility, prudence and accord, “we will make use of every possibility to solve the Cyprus problem, reunite and free our country.”
He thanked all those who voted for him and especially AKEL which supported him.
With careful steps, security and effectiveness, “we will improve the economy in such a way that it will touch the lives of all people, with transparent and democratic governance, social solidarity and productive initiatives to create prospects for the young generation, conditions of equal participation of women in the political and social ranks,” Malas said.
He further added that society is demanding a change in political culture and behaviour.
Malas urged all citizens to overcome their party preferences and ideological beliefs and take decisions for the future that the new generation deserves.
Asked about the contacts he will hold in view of the second round of the presidential elections, Malas said he will take the next steps but does not have any meetings scheduled for tomorrow. He thanked his family for his support.
Invited to say if he had anticipated securing 30%, Malas said “the people have spoken. The results convey their own messages that we need to evaluate”.
He also sent a message to the Turkish Cypriots that today’s result is not final, however “what is certain is that our country can proceed with confidence and decisive steps towards reunification”. He congratulated the Turkish Cypriots who demonstrated against the Turkish occupation this week.
