Tufan Erhürman won the election as the new leader in the Turkish Cypriot-run parts of occupied Cyprus, receiving 62.76% of the vote in Sunday’s first-round presidential elections, Anadolu Agency said.
Incumbent Ersin Tatar received 35.81%, based on unofficial returns declared by the Supreme Election Committee, and voter participation was 64.87%.
In his first remarks following the announcement of the results, Erhürman appealed for unity and inclusiveness, saying, “There are no losers in this election.” He pledged to govern in a non-partisan fashion and publicly resigned as Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader to serve in the interests of all citizens. Erhürman thanked coalition partners, independents, and supporters from other parties, describing the result as a mandate for consensus and cooperation.
Speaking with journalist and uploaded a video by Neyi Kaybettik, Erhürman said: “Determining a foreign policy in Cyprus or a policy regarding the Cyprus issue without consulting the Republic of Turkey has never been considered up to now. It will absolutely never be considered during my tenure either.”
President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides congratulated Erhürman and once again expressed readiness to resume negotiations on the Cyprus issue, stressing the importance of the upcoming informal meeting called by the UN Secretary-General.
There was a reaction from Greek Cypriot politicians too. Anita Dimitriou of the Democratic Rally said voters said “no” to a two-state solution. Stefanos Stefanu of AKEL called the outcome a “positive and hopeful message” for a federal Cyprus, while MP Christoforos Tornaritis welcomed Erhürman’s election and hoped for resumed negotiations.
Celebrations broke out at the CTP headquarters in the northern part of Nicosia as supporters gathered following the announcement of results.
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