In the presidential elections held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, opposition leader Tufan Erhyurman of the Turkey Republic Party won. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
According to preliminary data, he secured approximately 63 percent of the votes. His main rival, incumbent president Ersin Tatar, received around 36 percent of the votes.
Ersin Tatar is supported by the Turkish government and is known as a politician who supports the division of the island. Erhyurman described his victory as a collective achievement of the Turkish Cypriot people.
He emphasized that friendly relations with Turkey will be maintained and expressed his intention to restart negotiations between the two parts of the island. His political direction is aimed at supporting the federal Cyprus idea, which differs from Turkey's current policy.
Northern Cyprus has been economically and militarily dependent on Turkey. The team led by Erhyurman plans to implement reforms, increase civil society activity, ensure transparency in appointments, and strengthen relations with the European Union.
Experts believe that the election results may affect not only the internal politics of Northern Cyprus but also the relations between Ankara and Nicosia. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is an internationally unrecognized state.
It occupies the northern one-third of the island of Cyprus and is officially recognized only by Turkey. The republic has a population of approximately 300,000.
Turkey maintains a military contingent in this area, while the Republic of Cyprus and the UN consider this situation an occupation. The TRNC currently holds observer status in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Turkic Council.
Tufan Erhyurman's victory has increased the likelihood of a new phase in political discussions on the island.
