Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman voiced his disagreement with an amendment to the law on political parties. The amendment abolishes the requirement to hold internal party elections to select 'parliamentary' candidates. Despite his reservations, Erhürman signed the change, citing the proximity of the 'elections' in the north.
In a social media post, he said the amendment had been approved by 'parliament' and sent to him yesterday. He noted that making the change shortly before the 'elections' raises serious questions about intra-party democracy, as it makes the candidate selection process unclear.
Disrupting party preparations
Erhürman explained that the previous 'legislation' generally provided for party primaries supervised by the 'supreme electoral council'. In exceptional cases, it allowed party councils to select candidates. The new provision abolishes both arrangements, allowing parties to determine the process through their statutes and regulations.
The Turkish Cypriot leader clarified that he did not refer the amendment back to the 'parliament', as doing so could disrupt the parties’ preparations ahead of the 'elections'. He nevertheless expressed the hope that parties which do not opt to hold primaries would at least hold a vote in their party councils.
He concluded by warning that rushed changes to 'electoral legislation' shortly before 'election' contests should not be repeated, regardless of their outcome.
The amendment in question concerns the 'law on political parties', and specifically the process for selecting candidates for 'parliamentary elections' in the north.
Source: CNA
