Güner Ersen: We Are Working on Fielding a Presidential Candidate

Speaking on the programme Gündem hosted by Ulaş Barış on Kıbrıs Postası TV, Ersen stated: “I wish the CTP had waited so we could first assess, together, our need for a leader on the left. There is a serious leadership vacuum in Cyprus. Since Mustafa Akıncı, no one has defended the rights of Turkish Cypriots.”

Ersen recalled that the TDP Party Assembly has already made a decision to put forward a candidate for the election, while noting that a final candidate has not yet been determined. “Our party has strong leadership, and the necessary preparations are under way,” he added.

He emphasised the importance of establishing mutual understanding with Turkey, stating that confrontation benefits no one. Regarding South Cyprus, Ersen said the problems faced in the North are not fully understood by the South, and that there is a need for more open communication. “We need a sustainable solution based on mutual understanding. And for that, we need a president, a leader, who stands firm,” he said.

Ersen also noted the party's past experience in presidential elections: “We had a president who won 70 percent of the Turkish Cypriot vote and still lost the election.” He added, “By nominating a candidate, we are not handing a victory to the UBP. They will not win this election.”