Tufan Erhürman Wins Presidency in Northern Cyprus, Pledges Unity and Neutrality
erhurman–kktc
Republican Turkish Party (CTP) candidate Tufan Erhürman has won the presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), according to unofficial results. In his victory speech, Erhürman declared that he would serve not as a party leader but as “the president of all citizens,” promising unity, equality, and dialogue.
“We Walked Together, We Won Together”
Celebrating his victory on Sunday night, Erhürman said his campaign was built on the idea of walking together with citizens, adding:
“We kept our first two promises: we walked together, and we won together. Now we will fulfill our third promise — we will govern together.”
He thanked the CTP organization, campaign volunteers, and supporters, emphasizing that the outcome represented “a collective victory for the people, not just one party.”
Erhürman also invited the public to a celebration rally at Kızılbaş Park in Lefkoşa, saying:
“Whether you voted for me or not, come and join us. Democracy is not just about voting — it’s about the will to live together.”
“I Am the President of All Citizens”
In a clear message of neutrality, Erhürman announced that he was stepping aside from his role as CTP chairman to serve as a non-partisan head of state:
“From this moment on, I am not the president of a party, but of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. The Presidency is not a seat of individual power — it is a space where common wisdom must guide decision-making.”
He pledged to be “the guardian of equality and freedom” in the TRNC, adding:
“No citizen will be discriminated against. Equality and liberty will be the guiding principles of this Presidency.”
Erhürman said his victory across all districts reflected “the unity and unbroken brotherhood of the Turkish Cypriot people.”
Northern Cyprus Election: Between Shadows and the People’s Voice
Reactions From Ankara and the Opposition
The election triggered a range of responses in Turkey’s political landscape.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated Erhürman, saying:
“I congratulate Mr. Tufan Erhürman, who was elected President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus according to unofficial results. This election once again demonstrated the democratic maturity of the TRNC. Turkey will continue to defend the sovereignty and legitimate rights of the Turkish Cypriot people on all platforms.”
AK Party spokesperson Ömer Çelik and Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz also extended their congratulations, describing the vote as a “testament to the TRNC’s democratic strength.”
However, MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli took a radically different stance, calling on the TRNC parliament to “reject the election results and decide to join the Republic of Turkey.” His remarks were widely interpreted as a challenge to the electoral process.
CHP Welcomes Victory of “Brother Party”
In contrast, CHP leader Özgür Özel celebrated the win, congratulating his “dear friend” and CTP’s “brother party” leader, saying:
“The Turkish Cypriot people have not only elected Mr. Erhürman but also sent a strong message to those who attempted to influence the island’s democracy from outside for their own gain. This victory reaffirms the will of the people and the independence of the TRNC’s democratic institutions.”
Özel also praised Erhürman’s “calm and constructive tone” in relations with Turkey, expressing confidence that cooperation between Ankara and Lefkoşa would continue in a “balanced and respectful” manner.
“Coordination With Turkey Will Continue”
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Erhürman emphasized that despite differences in approach, the TRNC’s foreign policy would remain coordinated with Ankara:
“It will never be the case during my term that foreign policy decisions concerning Cyprus are made without consultation with Turkey.”
Erhürman added that while he seeks a more autonomous and participatory governance model for Turkish Cypriots, his administration would maintain strategic alignment with Turkey on regional and diplomatic issues.
