The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is preparing for a decisive presidential election on October 19, a vote widely seen as a turning point for the island’s political direction and its relationship with Türkiye and the international community.

According to the Supreme Election Committee, 218,313 registered voters will cast their ballots on October 19, marking a decisive moment for the island’s political future.

Incumbent President Ersin Tatar is running as an independent candidate, while Tufan Erhürman, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), enters the race as his main challenger.

The other contenders include independent candidates Hüseyin Gürlek, Mehmet Hasgüler, Arif Salih Kırdağ, Ahmet Boran, and İbrahim Yazıcı, as well as Osman Zorba, representing the Cyprus Socialist Party.

Political observers in Türkiye and Northern Cyprus note that the election will test public confidence in the current administration’s policies and the ongoing diplomatic efforts regarding the Cyprus issue. The campaign period has seen candidates emphasize governance, economic reforms, and international recognition for the TRNC.

If no candidate secures more than 50% of the votes in the first round, a runoff election will be held between the top two contenders.

The TRNC presidential election, closely followed by both local and regional media including Anadolu Agency and Daily Sabah, is expected to play a key role in shaping the island’s political trajectory and its relations with Türkiye and the wider international community.(ILKHA)