Özgür Özel and CHP members support the new President of the TRNC!

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel congratulated Republican Turkish Party leader Tufan Erhürman, who declared victory against AKP candidate Ersin Tatar in the TRNC.

Özel's post is as follows:

I wholeheartedly congratulate my dear friend, Mr. Tufan Erhürman, the leader of our sister party, the CTP, who won the Presidential elections held in the TRNC today with 62.80% of the vote, according to unofficial results.

The Turkish Cypriot people not only elected Mr. Erhürman in this election, but also responded to the mentality that intervened in the TRNC democracy and national will for its own interests, and that literally invaded the island to make propaganda for its side.

Finally, we hope that those in Ankara who openly disregard not only our country's foreign policy etiquette but also the law, who resort to all sorts of black propaganda to ensure the victory of their supported candidate, and who even at this hour are making their distaste for the election results known on social media, have correctly understood the message of the Turkish Cypriots.

I also value the calm and constructive language Erhürman puts forward regarding relations with our state.

I share the hope and happiness of everyone in the TRNC who will wake up to a beautiful and brand new day tomorrow.

Mahmut Tanal, on the other hand, stated that the AKP candidate lost and said:

"In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the will of the people was manifested at the ballot box, and the candidate supported by the AKP with all its might lost.

Will those who are now calling for "let's not accept the election and join Türkiye" not recognize the results if they lose the election in Türkiye tomorrow, using the same logic?

Democracy is a regime that must be defended not only when it is won, but also when it is lost. Not recognizing election results, ignoring the will of the people,

is to reject the constitutional order, sovereignty and the rule of law.

This understanding carries the same danger in both Cyprus and Türkiye: “A government that does not recognize the ballot box results is a government that has disconnected from the people.”

The will of the people is above all else. Neither the will of the Turkish Cypriot people nor the will of the citizens of the Republic of Türkiye.

It cannot be usurped for any political benefit!

CHP Deputy Group Chairman Murat Emir stated the following:

"Despite the AKP's anti-democratic interventions, I congratulate Mr. Tufan Erhürman, who was elected President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus by the votes of the Turkish Cypriots. The will of the Turkish Cypriot people is the strongest indicator of democracy.

Türkiye-TRNC relations must be conducted on the basis of mutual respect and equality. The AKP's current Cyprus policy, confined to narrow domestic political calculations, fails to meet the demands of the people and the real needs of the region.

I hope that the new era will be shaped by an understanding that strengthens the democratic will of the Turkish Cypriot community."