Harmancı: If TDP Fields a Candidate, We Will Make It to the Second Round

Appearing on the Gündem programme on Kıbrıs Postası TV, hosted by Ulaş Barış, Harmancı evaluated the upcoming presidential election and the candidates announced so far. He noted that on one side stood Tufan Erhürman, who supports a federal solution, and on the other, Ersin Tatar, who advocates for a two-state solution. In this context, Harmancı said a premature candidacy from TDP could result in a split between the two federalist candidates, effectively strengthening the position of the two-state proponent.

Emphasising that TDP would act responsibly and not based on narrow political calculations, Harmancı acknowledged that there is significant expectation within the party’s grassroots and central committee for a candidate to be announced soon. However, he urged patience to avoid a rash decision.

“In a Multi-Candidate Presidential Election, We Must Not Leave Voters Alone”

Addressing the possibility of his own candidacy, Harmancı did not categorically deny it. He noted that while no active field campaign is underway, his team is preparing as if a candidacy could emerge at any moment.

Recalling the last local elections, Harmancı highlighted that TDP garnered nearly 30% of the vote in Kyrenia and about 50% in Nicosia, and that the party has a tradition of winning the presidency. Therefore, he said, the TDP should not abandon voters in a multi-candidate contest.

“Akıncı Is Not Among the Potential Candidates”

Commenting on the possibility of former President Mustafa Akıncı running again, Harmancı ruled out such a scenario, citing Akıncı’s election night remarks and recent public statements.

He predicted that the political landscape would begin to take shape in June and that TDP would announce its candidate in parallel with this process — a measured approach he said should be respected. Harmancı also warned of ruling forces seeking to exploit divisions within society and stressed the importance of standing against such efforts.

“If We Run, We Will Make It to the Second Round”

When asked by a viewer, “If you run but don’t make it to the second round, which candidate would you support?”, Harmancı confidently replied, “If we run, we will make it to the second round.”