Nicosia, Cyprus. Former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat warned ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel against delaying the next legislative election, saying it would harm Ustel’s party, the UBP, while benefiting the CTP.
Warning on election timing and party impact
Talat said the CTP, which he led between 1996 and 2005 before becoming Turkish Cypriot leader, and which is currently leading in the polls, would be “in a politically more advantageous position as the election date is delayed”.
He said delaying the election would improve the CTP’s numbers, allow it to win more seats when an election is held, and “strengthen its expectation of forming a single-party government”.
Past single-party administrations and current coalition
Only twice since 1983 have Turkish Cypriot administrations comprised one political party, between 1990 and 1994, and between 2009 and 2013, both times under the UBP and following elections won by Dervish Eroglu. On the second occasion, Eroglu vacated the position of ‘prime minister’ in 2010 to become Turkish Cypriot leader.
The current ruling coalition comprises three parties: the UBP, the DP, and the YDP.
Concerns about prolonged rule and social costs
Talat said that while delaying the election may advantage the CTP, the current coalition remaining in power for what he believes to be too long may have negative effects on Turkish Cypriot society.
“It is undeniable that the CTP will be in a more advantageous position as the election date is delayed, but at what cost to society? That is the problem, because costs are constantly rising, and even if the next government will benefit politically from this, ultimately, the CTP is part of this country,” he said.
Talat added that the CTP “wants its country and its people to live in better conditions”.
“I have never said before that I would prefer a later election to a timely one. If the election is not held on time, the UBP will suffer more damage. No one sees this government as having been successful,” he said.
Election timetable
The most recent Turkish Cypriot legislative election took place in January 2022, and the next must take place in February next year at the latest.
What do you think would be the impact of delaying the next legislative election on Turkish Cypriot society?