A proposal to hold early "parliamentary" elections on 6 December 2026, alongside scheduled "local" elections, has effectively launched the election campaign in the north and intensified rivalry between the two main political parties.
The Ulusal Birlik Partisi (UBP) insists it will remain the largest political force and form the backbone of the next "government", while the Cumhuriyetçi Türk Partisi (CTP) argues that public dissatisfaction with the current administration is growing and rejects claims that support for UBP is increasing.
If approved by the "assembly", the vote is shaping up as a direct contest between the continuity offered by UBP and the change promised by CTP, with both parties already moving to finalise candidates and campaign structures.
Proposal heads to committee
The motion for early elections has been submitted to the "assembly" and will first be examined by the Legal, Political Affairs and Defence Committee before being referred to the plenary session for a vote.
If approved, a 60-day election period will begin.
Under Article 88 of the self-declared state's "constitution", early elections require the support of an absolute majority of all "MPs".
Two elections on one day
Supporters of the proposal argue that holding "parliamentary" and "local" elections simultaneously would reduce administrative and financial costs.
According to the explanatory memorandum, organising two separate electoral contests within a short period would increase public expenditure and prolong election-related restrictions affecting public administration and economic activity.
The proposal also cites difficult economic conditions as a reason for making more efficient use of public resources.
If adopted, voting would take place on Sunday, 6 December 2026, before the current "assembly" completes its full term.
UBP confident of victory
From the UBP side, so-called finance minister Özdemir Berova expressed confidence that his party would emerge once again as the largest political force.
"Nobody should have any doubt. The National Unity Party will once again emerge first in the elections of 6 December 2026 and continue its course," he said.
Berova added that UBP expects to form the core of the next coalition "government".
Contest for 18 municipalities
Commenting on the "local" elections, Berova said the local government reform that reduced the number of "municipalities" from 28 to 18 had strengthened local authorities both financially and administratively.
UBP intends to field candidates in all 18 municipalities and believes it is competitive across the board.
He highlighted:
- Mehmet Aktunç for Nicosia.
- Dr Bekir Paşaoğlu for Kyrenia.
- Koral Bozkurt for Famagusta.
"We are contenders in all 18 municipalities," Berova said.
CTP pushes for change
On the opposition side, CTP Secretary-General Mehmet Kale Kişi renewed the party's call for early elections as soon as possible.
He argued that a fresh vote is necessary to prevent conditions in the north from deteriorating further.
According to Kişi, the party's goal is not simply to win power but to establish a strong and stable "government".
He said discussions are already under way with individuals considered to have broad social appeal and public credibility.
Candidate process opens in September
Kişi said applications from those seeking nomination as CTP candidates will open on 15 September.
Under the current timetable, the process of selecting and finalising candidates is expected to be completed by 10 October, although the schedule could change depending on the final election date approved by the "assembly".
He said interest in joining CTP's electoral lists has been strong and reflects growing expectations for political change.
Polling battle under way
The first significant clash between the two parties has already extended to opinion polling.
Responding to claims that CTP is losing support while UBP is gaining ground, Kişi said the party's own surveys do not support such conclusions.
According to him, CTP's polling shows growing dissatisfaction with the current administration.
"It is not true that CTP is falling and UBP is rising," he said.
Kişi added that opinion polls are only one indicator and argued that broader public sentiment points towards a desire for political change.
"The street has already decided," he said.
Campaign lines drawn
With 6 December increasingly central to political planning, the two main parties are entering the contest with sharply contrasting messages.
UBP is campaigning on continuity and retaining its leading position, while CTP hopes to convert public dissatisfaction into momentum for political change.
