Tufan Erhurman wins TRNC Presidency, vows close ties with Türkiye

Tufan Erhurman, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has been elected President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), according to unofficial results. Erhurman secured a commanding majority, defeating incumbent President Ersin Tatar in an election that underscores the deep political ties between the TRNC and Türkiye.

A Strategic Partnership Reaffirmed

In his first statements after the victory, the newly elected president moved to solidify the foundational relationship with the motherland. "Foreign policy will naturally be conducted in close consultation with Türkiye—let there be no doubt about that," Erhurman declared. This commitment to aligned diplomacy was promptly met with approval from Ankara. Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated that the election demonstrated the political maturity of the TRNC and its electorate, adding, "As the motherland and guarantor country, we will continue to stand by the TRNC."

The Election Process and Outcome

The TRNC presidential election saw a voter turnout of approximately 65%, with citizens casting their ballots at hundreds of polling stations across the country. Erhurman's victory marks a significant political shift, returning the CTP leader to a top executive role, having previously served as prime minister. His background includes a distinguished career in law and academia, with deep ties to both Türkiye and Cyprus, having studied in Ankara and participated in key legal commissions.