Nicosia, Cyprus. Four members of the north’s ruling coalition have declared their opposition to a bill aimed at curbing disinformation, which is due to be voted on in the Turkish Cypriot legislature in the coming weeks. With the coalition holding an effective majority of nine, the declared opposition could complicate the bill’s passage.
Coalition majority and declared opposition
The coalition has an effective majority of nine in the legislature, but with four members already stating they will oppose the bill, it may now struggle to pass the legislation.
Hasan Kucuk cites ambiguity in bill language
Hasan Kucuk of the UBP, the coalition’s largest party, was the first to say he intends to vote against the bill, accusing the coalition of “ambiguity” in the language used when drafting it. Speaking on Kanal T, he said different interpretations of wording could lead to divisions in society and create conflicting readings among judges, prosecutors, and lawyers.
Hasan Tacoy raises concerns over political elements
Hasan Tacoy, also of the UBP and a former challenger to ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel for party leadership in 2024, also appeared on Kanal T and accused the coalition of including “political elements” in the bill. He said he would vote against it if it reaches a plenary session with those articles included, adding that he wants to exercise freedom of speech and said people need to be able to speak their minds.
Yasemin Ozturk says bill will not be voted on in current form
Yasemin Ozturk, a UBP member who chairs the ‘parliamentary’ legal affairs committee, told Haber Kibris TV that if there is anything she is not satisfied with, she will not vote in favor. She also said the bill “will not be voted on in its current form,” while appearing less opposed to the concept of the legislation than Kucuk or Tacoy.
How will the coalition address internal opposition to the bill before it reaches a vote?
