Tufan Erhurman Wins Decisive Victory in Northern Cyprus Presidential Election

Nicosia, Northern Cyprus – Opposition leader Tufan Erhurman has been elected president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), defeating incumbent Ersin Tatar in a landmark vote that could reshape the island’s political future.

The High Electoral Council of Northern Cyprus announced that Erhurman, head of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), secured 62.76% of the vote, while Tatar, backed by Turkey’s ruling government, received 35.81%. More than 218,000 registered voters participated in Sunday’s poll.

“There are no losers in this election. The Turkish Cypriot people have won together,” Erhurman said following his victory. “I will carry out my duties responsibly, especially regarding foreign policy, in close consultation with the Republic of Türkiye.”

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A Shift in Northern Cyprus’s Political Landscape

Erhurman’s victory marks a significant political shift in Northern Cyprus, where Tatar’s administration had long advocated for a two-state solution to the island’s division. The newly elected 55-year-old president, a lawyer educated at Ankara University, has instead expressed his commitment to reviving UN-backed reunification talks with the Greek Cypriot south.

He previously participated in reunification negotiations between 2008 and 2010 and served as Prime Minister of the TRNC from February 2018 to May 2019.

Political analysts say Erhurman’s win could reinvigorate dialogue between the Turkish Cypriot north and Greek Cypriot south, potentially easing tensions that have persisted for decades.

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International Reactions: Calls for Cooperation and Reconciliation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated Erhurman via social media, promising continued Turkish support for Northern Cyprus and reaffirming Ankara’s role as a guarantor power.

“Türkiye will always stand by the Turkish Cypriots and defend their legitimate rights and sovereignty,” Erdoğan said.

Meanwhile, Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides congratulated Erhurman and emphasized his government’s readiness to resume peace negotiations under the United Nations framework.

Diplomatic observers view both messages as cautiously optimistic signs for renewed dialogue on Cyprus reunification—a process that has been stalled since 2017.

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The Divided Island: A Longstanding Conflict

Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, when a coup by Greek nationalists seeking union with Greece prompted a Turkish military intervention in the north. In 1983, Turkish Cypriots declared the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Türkiye.

Today, Turkish forces—around 35,000 troops—remain stationed in the north. Despite international non-recognition, Northern Cyprus operates as a de facto independent entity with its own parliament and administration.

The Republic of Cyprus, controlled by the Greek Cypriot government in the south, joined the European Union in 2004, though EU law is suspended in the north. Many Turkish Cypriots nonetheless hold EU-recognized passports, granting them travel and work rights across Europe.

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Erhurman’s Policy Priorities: Federal Talks and Economic Renewal

Erhurman has stated his intention to reopen peace negotiations aimed at creating a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, a framework endorsed by the United Nations and the European Union but rejected by his predecessor, Tatar.

Domestically, Erhurman’s campaign focused on economic recovery, education, and youth employment, pledging to reduce Northern Cyprus’s dependence on Türkiye while maintaining strong bilateral ties.

“Our future lies in cooperation, development, and dignity,” Erhurman told supporters after his victory. “We must rebuild trust between communities and ensure our youth see a future on this island.”

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What Comes Next for Northern Cyprus

With Erhurman’s victory, Northern Cyprus enters a new phase of leadership that may steer its political trajectory closer to reconciliation with the Greek Cypriot government.

The new administration faces several challenges, including:

• Restarting UN-mediated reunification talks.
• Addressing economic disparities between north and south.
• Managing relations with Türkiye amid regional power shifts.
• Balancing domestic expectations for sovereignty and international recognition.

Observers say Erhurman’s approach—rooted in dialogue and moderation—could help rebuild bridges on the divided island, though deep political and ideological divisions remain.