Ustel reportedly visits Ankara as UBP faces disputed primary results

Ankara, Turkey. Turkish Cypriot ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel was reportedly in Ankara on Monday morning as his UBP party faced a crisis over its candidate selection process. The results remained unresolved two days after Saturday’s primary to select candidates for December’s Turkish Cypriot legislative election.

Disputed count and withdrawals

The UBP’s turmoil began on Saturday, with 17 objections lodged against the provisional primary results and demands for recounts. ‘Health minister’ Hakan Dincyurek also stepped down from his position and abandoned his candidacy.

On Sunday evening, sitting legislature member Emrah Yesilirmak announced that he also planned to withdraw from December’s election. Speaking to Haber Kibris Web TV, he alleged that Saturday’s provisional figures had been fabricated.

Yesilirmak said he did not consider the published results, figures or names genuine and called for a recount. He maintained that he would withdraw regardless of his position, even if he ranked first.

If Yesilirmak does not secure re-election, his arrest is considered almost certain. Earlier this year, the Turkish Cypriot chief public prosecutor’s office sought the removal of his immunity over allegations that he obtained a counterfeit university degree in the case known as the ‘fake diploma scandal’.

Reported journey draws criticism

Ustel’s office did not tell the Cyprus Mail whether he had gone to Ankara. Media reports placed him at Ercan (Tymbou) airport on Sunday night, and opposition politicians responded with criticism and mockery over the reported journey’s timing.

Sila Usar Incirli, leader of the CTP, said the UBP leadership had yet to provide a comprehensive response to questions from party members and the public despite the serious disputes following Saturday’s vote.

She added that, if the reports were accurate, Ustel’s departure for Ankara before the announcement of results failed to show the respect due to UBP members’ wishes.

Polling indicates that Incirli is likely to head the next Turkish Cypriot administration following December’s election.

Ozersay recalls a familiar pattern

HP leader Kudret Ozersay mocked the reported trip, suggesting that Ustel headed for Ankara whenever disorder reached a deadlock. He also wished Unal a pleasant flight.

Ozersay served with Ustel in Ersin Tatar’s administration from 2019 to 2020. He resigned after Tatar travelled to Ankara without prior announcement and, during that visit, announced that Varosha would open to tourists.