The National Unity Party (UBP) in the north has been thrown into turmoil after its internal elections to select candidates for the 6 December elections, with 17 objections lodged and a recount of the votes ordered. Hakan Dinçyürek, the north’s so-called ‘health minister’, announced that he is withdrawing his candidacy and intends to resign from his post. According to Turkish Cypriot outlet Bugün Kıbrıs, 8,929 voters took part in the internal ballot, but the announcement of the results prompted reactions and challenges, with a total of 17 candidates filing objections and a recount being ordered as a result.
A resignation adds to the crisis
Against this backdrop, Dinçyürek announced his decision to withdraw from the UBP’s candidate selection process for the 6 December elections. Turkish Cypriot outlets Detay Kıbrıs and Gıynık Gazetesi reported that he also said he would submit his resignation as ‘health minister’ to Turkish Cypriot ‘prime minister’ Ünal Üstel. His announcement adds a new dimension to the party’s internal crisis, as the challenge to the results is now accompanied by the departure of a member of the ‘government’. The formal submission and acceptance of his resignation have not yet been confirmed, while the recount is expected to determine the final outcome of the internal vote.
Source: Bugün Kıbrıs, Detay Kıbrıs, Gıynık Gazetesi
