Elam Member Appointed to Onek Board, Sparking Edon Criticism

The Cypriot cabinet has appointed Zafiro Kastanou, an Elam parliamentary candidate from Famagusta, to the board of directors of the youth organisation Onek, marking the first time an Elam member has joined the board. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Edon, the youth wing of Akel, which said the appointment contradicts Onek’s stated values of democracy, tolerance, respect for diversity and peaceful coexistence. Edon argues that Onek should continue to promote a bicommunal character, especially given the country’s current division. The cabinet’s decision, made without apparent consultation with Onek’s existing leadership, has therefore been seen as a challenge to the organisation’s mission and its role in fostering intercommunal dialogue.