Archbishop Makarios III, a prominent religious leader and political figure, officially took office as the first President of Cyprus after the island gained independence from British colonial rule. His election was a pivotal moment, not just for Cyprus but for the broader geopolitics of the region during the Cold War. The decision to appoint Makarios as President stemmed from his deep involvement in the struggle for independence, advocating for the rights of the Greek Cypriots against British administration from as early as the 1950s. The independence negotiations culminated in 1959 with the Zurich and London Agreements, which created a bi-communal partnership government to accommodate both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Thus, Makarios's ascendance to the presidency was celebrated by many as a victory for national self-determination. He was noted for his vision to promote peace and cooperation among the island’s diverse communities, although various tensions would later arise during his administration.

In his inaugural address, Makarios emphasized unity and the importance of cooperation between the different ethnic groups in Cyprus, promoting a vision of peace. His leadership style garnered significant support, but he also faced challenges, particularly from those who opposed his policies concerning Turkish Cypriots. The new constitution of Cyprus provided for a power-sharing arrangement aimed at preventing any group from dominating the political landscape. However, the ensuing years saw the rise of ethnic tensions, which strained the young republic and foreshadowed subsequent political crises and division. Makarios’s early presidency laid the groundwork for Cyprus’s political identity, and he would later become a controversial figure in the turbulent politics of the island.