# Who Holds Power in Cyprus in November 2026

> Cyprus presidential election and UN talks set for November 2026.
- Title: Who Holds Power in Cyprus in November 2026 · The Rio Times
- Summary: Cyprus presidential election and UN talks set for November 2026. Cyprus president Nikos Christodoulides faces UN envoy María Ángela Holguín's push to restart…
- Keywords: cyprus, nike, president, reunification, election, disy, akel, elam, diko, maría ángela holguín, tufan erhürman, The Rio Times
- Source: The Rio Times — https://riotimesonline.com/cyprus-politics-explained-who-holds-power-2026
- Author: Contributing Reporter
- Published: 2026-11-04T05:38:33+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cyprus, nike, president, un, reunification, election, disy, akel, elam, diko, maría ángela holguín, tufan erhürman
## Cyprus Presidential System
Cyprus has a strong president but a parliament that his own camp no longer controls.
## President Nikos Christodoulides
President Nikos Christodoulides, an independent who left the centre-right DISY party, has led Cyprus since 2023.
## 2026 Election Results
DISY holds 17 of 56 seats, AKEL 15, ELAM 8 and DIKO 8 after the May 2026 election.
## Speaker Annita Demetriou
Speaker Annita Demetriou of DISY was re-elected House president on 4 June 2026, winning 29 votes to 19.
## UN Reunification Talks
UN envoy María Ángela Holguín is due to host both Cypriot leaders on 9 November 2026.
## November 3 Talks
On 3 November 2026, the government spokesman called Holguín’s meeting with Turkey’s ambassador unacceptable.
## 2028 Presidential Race
The next presidential election is due in February 2028, with Christodoulides leading DISY.
## Party Dynamics
DISY, DIKO and Direct Democracy backed Speaker Demetriou, while AKEL and ALMA backed Stefanou.
## UN Security Council Resolution 550
UN Security Council Resolution 550 (1984) condemns secessionist steps in the north, including ambassador exchanges with Turkey.
## What's Next
The 9 November meeting will assess whether reunification talks can restart after the November 3 talks.
## Key takeaway

Cyprus president Nikos Christodoulides faces UN envoy María Ángela Holguín's push to restart reunification talks with Turkish Cypriots on 9 November 2026.