CTP: Those Who Should Debate Are the Presidential Candidates, Not Their Spokespersons

In a written statement on the presidential election process, CTP stressed that candidates should come together in open debate programs. The statement noted that in developed democracies, election campaigns gain meaning through open debates held before the public, where projects, visions, and capacities are revealed.

CTP accused President Ersin Tatar of persistently avoiding joint programs and hiding behind other political figures, turning the process into a game that overshadows the election. “Mr. Tatar’s decision to approve only a single program on Bayrak Radio and Television Corporation, as listed in the Supreme Election Council’s schedule, while deliberately avoiding other debates, is an open disrespect to both our people and our media,” the statement said.

It recalled that Tatar had approved but ultimately failed to attend a joint program with all candidates on the final day of the previous election campaign. The statement argued that allowing MPs or other political figures to speak on behalf of candidates deprives the public of their right to hear directly from them.

“The most fundamental duty of the President of the TRNC is negotiation and representation. If a candidate avoids face-to-face debates even during an election campaign, their willingness and ability to negotiate the people’s future and represent them internationally will inevitably be questioned,” the statement added.

CTP announced that it would send spokespersons to multiple programs only if open debates bringing together all presidential candidates — particularly Tufan Erhürman and Ersin Tatar — are held.

The statement concluded:

“Our presidential candidate, Mr. Tufan Erhürman, is ready to appear alongside other candidates and Mr. Tatar in every open debate organized by television channels and media outlets. We are not running, we are not hiding; we are not afraid to face the public.”