[2][3] The first round saw a close result between three leading candidates, Dimitris Christofias of AKEL, Ioannis Kasoulidis of Democratic Rally, and the incumbent Tassos Papadopoulos.

[5] Papadopoulos (DIKO) announced in late July that he would run for re-election.

[6] The Ecological and Environmental Movement (KOP) decided on November 18, 2007 to support Papadopoulos.

Controversial MEP Marios Matsakis announced on 29 December 2007 that he would contest the election.

[citation needed] Christofias had offered three ministerial positions to DIKO, including that of Minister of Foreign Affairs, in addition to the post of President of the House of Representatives, while Kasoulides had offered five ministerial positions in exchange for DIKO's support.

[20] The Cypriot Orthodox Church leader Archbishop Chrysostomos II backed Kasoulidis.

[19] Ecological and Environmental Movement on 21 February 2008 decided to support Dimitris Christofias.

On 26 January 2008 the three main candidates, Papadopoulos, Christofias, and Kasoulidis, debated on television.