A political crisis continues to unfold within the National Unity Party (UBP) following the selection of its 50 parliamentary candidates for the 6 December election, with reports that party leader and "prime minister" Unal Ustel travelled urgently to Ankara on Sunday night, although no official announcement has been issued regarding the visit.
The controversy centres on the party's first-ever electronic vote count, which followed Saturday's candidate-selection congress.
Seventeen objections filed
According to Turkish Cypriot media, verification of the electronic vote records is taking place today at UBP headquarters after 17 formal objections were submitted following the announcement of the results.
The candidates challenging the outcome are demanding a manual recount of votes.
Under the applicable electoral rules, the process must be completed within 48 hours of the vote. Once verification is concluded, the final list of UBP candidates is expected to be published.
Ballot boxes under police guard
Following the objections, ballot boxes at the Atatürk Sports Hall in occupied Nicosia were placed under police protection and the results were forwarded to the electoral authorities.
Turkish Cypriot media reported that a hand count involving a broad verification team was expected to begin today, though it had not yet started at the time of reporting.
Police officers continue to guard the ballot boxes, while candidates who lodged objections and members of their families remain at the venue awaiting developments.
Senior figures challenge the result
Reports indicate that among those who submitted objections are:
- "Parliament speaker" Ziya Ozturkler
- Trikomo "MP" Emrah Yesilirmak
- Famagusta "MP" Resmiye Eroglu Canaltay
Canaltay later stated publicly that she had not, in fact, filed an objection.
Former "parliament speaker" Zorlu Tore, who finished eighth on the Nicosia list, also questioned the credibility of the process, describing the election as controversial.
Health minister to resign
One of the most significant reactions came from "health minister" Hakan Dincyurek, who placed sixth on the Famagusta list.
Dincyurek announced that he is withdrawing his candidacy and intends to resign from his ministerial position.
Another candidate, Redif Nurel from Kyrenia, who finished eighth, reacted strongly to the outcome. His reported call for police and Turkey's intelligence agency, MIT, to seize the ballot boxes attracted considerable attention on election night.
Opposition criticises developments
The leader of the opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Sila Usar Incirli, expressed concern over the internal turmoil.
In a written statement, she argued that the events reflected broader governance problems and warned that weakening democratic culture within political parties ultimately harms democracy across society.
She further said that if reports of Ustel's trip to Ankara before the certification of official results prove accurate, it would constitute disrespect towards the will of party members.
According to Incirli, the most urgent need is for transparent, accountable and fair governance capable of restoring public trust in politics and institutions.
Results expected soon
A total of 8,929 UBP members participated in Saturday's vote, which was the first internal party election conducted using an electronic counting system.
The deadline for completing the candidate-selection process expires on 27 October, meaning the dispute is expected to be resolved within hours.
Source: CNA
