Yaşarata: Turkish Cypriots Living Abroad Should Be Given the Right to Vote

He stated that the Turkish Cypriot population residing in the UK is approximately 320,000, while the number of Turkish Cypriots living in Australia, Turkey, Canada, and other countries is estimated to be around 650,000. He emphasized that this population wishes to have a say in the national matters of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and to exercise their constitutional rights. According to Yaşarata, the right to vote is not only a democratic right but also a way to strengthen their ties with the TRNC.

First Step: A Ballot Box at Ercan Airport

Yaşarata suggested that a ballot box be set up at Ercan Airport for the upcoming elections, allowing Turkish Cypriots living abroad to vote within a specified period, such as two months. He proposed that this initiative could be a pilot model, eventually leading to the establishment of ballot boxes at embassies or the implementation of electronic voting methods.

Dr. Yaşarata recalled that they had previously shared their detailed suggestions on this issue with President Ersin Tatar, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, and Deputy Prime Minister Fikri Ataoğlu.

The Need for Representation and International Recognition

Yaşarata highlighted that similar practices exist in many countries, where citizens living abroad are given the opportunity to vote in elections. He noted that enabling Turkish Cypriots abroad to vote would enhance the community's international representation and strengthen the TRNC’s recognition globally.

In the UK alone, with 320,000 Turkish Cypriots, Yaşarata pointed out that this community is one of the largest in the world. Additionally, the total number of Turkish Cypriots living abroad, including those in Australia, Turkey, and Canada, is estimated at nearly 650,000. He stressed that this population desires to participate in national matters and to utilize their rights.

Linking Voting Rights to Stronger Ties with the TRNC

"Voting is not just a democratic right but also a way to strengthen ties with the TRNC," Yaşarata stated, adding that including Turkish Cypriots living abroad in the electoral process would enhance the community's representation and further the potential for the TRNC’s recognition on the international stage.

He further stated that the Turkish Cypriot community in the UK holds significant political and economic influence. "Turkish Cypriots in the UK contribute over £7 billion annually to the UK economy. This year, a Turkish Cypriot, Mr. Nesil Çalışkan, was elected to the UK Parliament for the first time. These successes demonstrate the importance of their participation in TRNC elections," Yaşarata concluded.

Challenges and Solutions for Voting Abroad

Yaşarata also proposed the opening of polling stations abroad and the establishment of the necessary technological infrastructure. While he acknowledged that this could present challenges, he emphasized the need for a transitional period with practical and easily implementable solutions.

Source: Kıbrıs