Tufan Erhurman, the candidate favoring the reunification of Cyprus based on a federal model, has been elected as the Turkish Cypriot leader, unseating the pro-two-state solution incumbent, Ersin Tatar, in a massive and decisive victory.
The result marks a significant political reversal, with Erhurman, a 55-year-old law professor, securing a commanding 62.8 per cent of the vote compared to Tatar’s 35.8 per cent. This margin of victory is unprecedented and signals a clear mandate from the Turkish Cypriot electorate for a renewed effort toward a negotiated settlement.
Erhurman is the leader of the centre-left Republican Turkish Party (CTP). He will be required to resign from his party post in the coming days, in adherence to strict local rules concerning political neutrality for leaders, before formally taking up the role later this week. His victory is expected to bring to an end a five-year period during which the Turkish Cypriot side, under Tatar, refused to engage in negotiations based on the previously agreed-upon bi-zonal, bi-communal federation model.
Erhurman’s message of unity
Following the result, Erhurman was greeted by a crowd of thousands in northern Nicosia’s Kizilbas Park, where he delivered a unifying victory speech.
“This election is not an election where some people win and others lose. The Turkish Cypriot people won tonight,” he stated, emphasizing collaboration. He also thanked those who had backed his campaign, even acknowledging the possibility that members of the ruling coalition parties may have voted for him given the wide margin. “There are many wonderful things we can do together. When we are together, there is nothing we cannot do.”
He concluded his address by promising his unwavering commitment to his constituents, vowing that he will “never give up on this land” and “never give up on the children of this country.”
Christodoulides: Ready for reunification talks
President Nikos Christodoulides on Sunday night congratulated Turkish Cypriot leader-elect Tufan Erhurman on being elected to the role, and declared his readiness to resume negotiations towards a federal solution to the Cyprus problem, which is both men’s stated aim.
“I express my congratulations to the new leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Tufan Erhurman, with respect for the verdict of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots based on the outcome of the vote in our occupied territories, and I look forward to meeting him as soon as possible,” he said.
Of the prospect of negotiations, he said, “I reiterate my readiness, steadfast political will, and determination to continue contributing to the effort to resume substantive negotiations for the resolution of the Cyprus issue”.
Such talks, he added, should begin “from the point where they were interrupted in Crans Montana” in 2017, and “within the framework of the declared commitment of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres”.
Athens reacts: “New chapter of hope”
The news was immediately welcomed by Athens, where Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis released a statement greeting Erhurman’s election as a “new chapter of hope and expectation” in the effort to reunify Cyprus.
The Minister stressed that this development can provide a much-needed boost to the relaunch of UN-led negotiations, which must be based on relevant UN resolutions and the principles of international law. The goal, he affirmed, remains a solution that will secure peace and prosperity for both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots within the European framework.
Gerapetritis noted that Athens, in perfect coordination with Nicosia, has been working systematically to bring the Cyprus issue back onto the UN Secretary-General’s agenda after years of inertia. He expressed anticipation for the “expanded informal meeting” that is expected to serve as the next step towards reunification.
“Divisions have no place in the troubled modern international scene,” Gerapetritis concluded. “Cyprus must offer the universal message of synthesis and unity.”
