Countdown Begins for October 19 Presidential Election in Northern Cyprus

Election Overview

The upcoming vote will be the 9th presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The electoral process officially began on August 24, and according to the schedule, voter cards will be distributed no later than October 16. Campaigning will conclude at 18:00 on October 18.

A candidate must secure an absolute majority of valid votes to be elected president. If no candidate achieves this threshold, a runoff election will be held on Sunday, October 26, between the two candidates with the highest vote counts.

Ballot Order

The candidates will appear on the ballot in the following order:

1. Osman Zorba (Cyprus Socialist Party)

2. Tufan Erhürman (Republican Turkish Party)

3. Arif Salih Kırdağ (Independent)

4. Ahmet Boran (Independent)

5. Mehmet Hasgüler (Independent)

6. İbrahim Yazıcı (Independent)

7. Hüseyin Gürlek (Independent)

8. Ersin Tatar (Independent)

Voter Numbers and Polling Stations

A total of 218,313 voters are eligible to participate in the election. They will cast their ballots at 777 polling stations established nationwide. The distribution of voters by district is as follows:

• Nicosia (Lefkoşa): 70,472 voters

• Famagusta (Gazimağusa): 54,015 voters

• Kyrenia (Girne): 46,665 voters

• Morphou (Güzelyurt): 15,334 voters

• İskele: 21,659 voters

• Lefke: 7,168 voters

Voters can find information about their designated polling stations at www.mahkemeler.net and www.ysk.gov.ct.tr. Those who have not received their voter cards may still vote by presenting an official ID.

Accessibility Measures for Disabled Voters

Voters with mobility difficulties who cannot access polling stations due to stairs or lack of ramps must notify their district election office by October 16 so that additional arrangements can be made.

Voting Requirements

Eligible voters must present an official photo ID, such as a TRNC or Cyprus Turkish Federated State identity card, police ID, TRNC driver’s license, or passport. According to the TRNC Constitution, all citizens who have reached the age of 18 have the right to vote.

To be eligible for the presidency, candidates must meet the following requirements: be at least 35 years old, hold a higher education degree, be born to Turkish parents, be a TRNC citizen, and have been a permanent resident of Cyprus for at least five years.

Casting a Valid Vote

Voters indicate their choice by stamping “Yes” in the empty box below the name of their preferred candidate. The vote is valid only if the stamp is applied once; multiple stamps will invalidate the ballot. Voters must fold their ballots and deposit them in the ballot box in the presence of polling officials.

Polling Staff and Observers

A total of 2,331 polling staff appointed by the Supreme Election Board (YSK) will oversee the voting process. In addition, representatives of candidates and political parties may also be present as observers.

Historical Context

The October 19 election will mark the 11th presidential or head-of-state election for the Turkish Cypriot community since 1974. Following the 1974 Peace Operation, Turkish Cypriots held their first presidential election on June 20, 1976, under the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus. Since then, there have been two elections for the Federated State presidency and eight elections for the TRNC presidency. The upcoming vote will therefore be recognized as the 9th presidential election in TRNC’s political history.

Presidential and parliamentary elections in the TRNC are held every five years, while local elections occur every four years.