Turkish Cypriots Pick Opposition Leader as TRNC President, Despite Ankara

Tufan Erhürman, the leader of the opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP), won the presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by a significant margin. According to unofficial results, Erhürman received 62.8% of the votes in the October 19 election, which saw a turnout of 63%, while incumbent President Ersin Tatar remained at 35.8%. This outcome, considered the widest margin in any TRNC election to date, is seen as a victory for the opposition despite President Tayyip Erdoğan’s open support for Tatar.

In his first statement after it became clear he had won the election, Erhürman said:

• “As the Turkish Cypriot people, we won together.”

• “All matters related to foreign policy will, of course, be addressed and conducted in consultation with the Republic of Türkiye.”

• “No one should have any doubts or concerns about this. Unfortunately, there have been many misleading publications on these matters recently.”

Intervention in TRNC Elections Didn’t Work

With these remarks, Erhürman was referring to recent publications in pro-AKP media in Türkiye that claimed that if Erhürman won, he would support a federation instead of a two-state solution, or even advocate Greek Cypriot positions.

Erdoğan supported Tatar’s candidacy through Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz during the TRNC elections. At one point, football star Mesut Özil, visiting the TRNC, even played a recording of Erdoğan saying, “We must absolutely win the elections in the TRNC” to the public.

However, Erhürman, a graduate of Ankara University Faculty of Law, does not categorically reject the two-state solution. Still, pointing out that the Tatar era was the only period without negotiations with the Greek Cypriots, he emphasized a return to talks — but in coordination with Ankara. He said:

• “I have never had a quarrel with Türkiye in my life. You know President Erdoğan’s saying, ‘Stand tall without being defiant.’”

• “But not being defiant does not mean failing to express your views, not mastering your own case, or not sharing your own thoughts.”

Erdoğan Accepts, Bahçeli Caught Off Guard

CHP and CTP

Despite CHP declaring CTP a “sister party,” Erhürman was reluctant to see active involvement from CHP, fearing that political rivalry in Türkiye might backfire in the TRNC.

CHP leader Özgür Özel, in his message congratulating Erhürman after the election victory, said:
“The Turkish Cypriot people not only elected Erhürman but also responded to the mentality that intervenes from outside for its own interests and conducts propaganda for its preferred side as if launching an operation on the island.”
Özel also emphasized that he appreciated Erhürman’s “calm and constructive tone” in handling relations with Türkiye.

Early Elections on the Horizon?

As a result, Erdoğan will now have to work with President Erhürman, while Erhürman will have to cooperate with a parliament that supports Erdoğan’s two-state policy.

Yusuf Kanlı, a journalist and expert in Cyprus affairs, had predicted that if Erhürman won, “the autonomy limits of TRNC institutions would be seriously tested.”

Kanlı argues that Erhürman cannot start new negotiations without coordination with Türkiye. He adds that if the new president can quickly achieve concrete progress and produce economic and social benefits, he will strengthen his hand in domestic politics. However, if he fails, the ruling side is likely to accuse him of being “naive” or “under the influence of foreign powers.”

This scenario also raises the possibility of early elections in the TRNC, to test whether the President and the Parliament can work in harmony.