Turkish Cypriot politicians described Sunday as a “day of democracy” as voting took place for the next Turkish Cypriot leader in the north.
Speaking after casting his ballot in the occupied town of Karavas, 'prime minister' and leader of the National Unity Party (UBP), Ünal Üstel, claimed the process was unfolding in a “brotherly atmosphere” and described the day as one of the finest for democracy. Accompanied by his wife, he wished all candidates good luck.
Calls for unity
In a similar vein, the 'speaker' of the 'parliament', Ziya Öztürkler, voting in occupied Morphou, remarked that turnout demonstrated the "people’s trust in institutions". He added that participation showed the importance of expressing the “will of the people” at the ballot box.
Former Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı took a more cautionary tone. While expressing hope for the beginning of a new chapter, he alluded to outside interference and behind-the-scenes manipulation. “Democracy,” he stressed, “is not just about voting once every few years. It also requires the public to hold elected officials accountable. If they don’t, others will - and then democracy ceases to exist.”
Former leader Derviş Eroğlu also framed the vote as an expression of democratic will, wishing the Turkish Cypriots a “good result”.
Tourism 'minister' and Democratic Party leader Fikri Ataoğlu called on the population to vote in support of continuing the policies of the current 'government', while the head of the Rebirth Party and 'transport minister', Erhan Arıklı, expressed hope that a leader would be elected who could “continue the success of the TRNC”.
Tatar reported to police
Incumbent Turkish Cypriot leader and candidate, Ersin Tatar, cast his vote in occupied Nicosia, calling the day one that would “determine or shape our future”. He said the vote would prove Turkish Cypriots’ loyalty to their 'state' and express their democratic will.
Tatar claimed that Greek Cypriots were continuing to act unjustly towards the Turkish Cypriot community and cited unfulfilled promises made during the 2004 Annan Plan referendum period. He reiterated that his 'presidency' had prioritised protecting the 'TRNC’s' existence and pursuing international recognition of Turkish Cypriots as a sovereign people.
He also credited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with supporting this effort, stating, “We cannot wage this fight alone.” Tatar pointed to the 'TRNC's' observer status within the Organisation of Turkic States as a sign of diplomatic progress.
According to reports from north, Tatar has been reported to 'police' for allegedly breaking electoral law. The 'High Electoral Council' decided to refer a complaint to the 'police' regarding an alleged violation of the 'law' governing the pre-election silence period. The complaint, filed by a representative of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), alleges Tatar made public statements on a television after the campaign deadline expired at 18:00 on Saturday - an offence that could carry a sentence of up to six months' imprisonment.
Former 'judge' Taçan Reynar publicly commented on the matter, stating that such violations must be taken seriously to preserve the credibility of the process.
Erhürman: “Today we express our will”
Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader and candidate Tufan Erhürman, speaking after voting in occupied Nicosia, said the outcome would significantly impact the future of Turkish Cypriots. He described the community as having “embraced democracy with maturity” and emphasised the symbolic weight of participation.
Erhürman was accompanied by his wife Nildén, Social Democratic Party leader Zeki Çeler, and the 'mayor' of northern Nicosia, Mehmet Harmancı.
By 1:00 PM local time, turnout stood at 29.09%, according to the Turkish Cypriot newspaper Kıbrıs Postası. Voting was scheduled to conclude at 6:00 PM.