In the presidential election held on the 19th of October in northern Cyprus, Turkish Cypriots expressed their political will through Tufan Erhürman’s landslide victory, as he won a remarkable 62.8% of the vote compared to Tatar’s 35.8%.
Tatar lost the election despite having the backing of Turkey’s political establishment. MPs and political figures from the AKP and MHP visited Cyprus, singers held concerts, and even the local imam dedicated a prayer session to him.
Erhürman’s victory was a heavy blow to the “motherland’s” interference.
Erhürman is expected to re-engage in the negotiation process on the national question, supporting a federation based on previously agreed-upon frameworks. Yet, he faces a difficult task ahead, as he must represent the people’s will in support of a federation despite numerous local and international obstacles — such as the recently passed law declaring the TRNC’s official position as a two-state solution, and the far-right interference and threats already voiced by MHP leaders.
Will he succumb to these pressures or remain true to the will of the people?
What does his victory mean in spite of Turkey’s interventions?
And what are the tasks of the Left for the day after?
NEDA, DiEM25 in Cyprus invite you to a discussion with Bağımsızlık Yolu – Path to Independence and our turkishcypriot comrades as we attempt to answer these questions and explore the way forward.
Join us!
Saturday, 1st of November — 6:30 p.m.
Meltemi, Onisilou 6, Old Nicosia
