Tatar: The Election Is a Referendum Between the Two-State Policy and Federation

Speaking to Anadolu Agency ahead of the 19 October election, Tatar characterized the vote as an “existential election,” stressing that his main rival, Republican Turkish Party (CTP) candidate Tufan Erhürman, supports a federal settlement.

Tatar said that over the past five years, his administration had succeeded in bringing the two-state vision onto the international agenda, with the backing of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He noted that the TRNC’s acceptance as an observer in the Organization of Turkic States was one of his term’s key achievements.

“The president’s main duty is to conduct foreign policy and maintain our relations with Turkey in the best possible way,” Tatar said. “I believe I have done that. I’ve built strong ties across Turkey and advanced our two-state policy globally. We have now taken our place in the Organization of Turkic States.”

Tatar also acknowledged public frustrations over economic challenges and governance issues but urged voters to focus on the broader national picture.

He reminded that the main opposition CTP did not take part in the parliamentary vote adopting the “Two-State Solution on the Cyprus Issue” resolution and reiterated that the 19 October election represents a choice between two fundamentally different paths: “A two-state solution means preserving our sovereignty, achieving stability, and ensuring harmony with Turkey for economic growth and development. That’s why every citizen must go to the polls and express their will through a high turnout.”

Commenting on recent global events, Tatar said that what is happening in Gaza reminds Turkish Cypriots of the suffering they endured during the 1960s and 1970s. He emphasized the continued importance of Turkey’s military presence on the island, saying, “What is happening in Gaza should be taken seriously by our people.”

Highlighting the strategic importance of the two-state approach, Tatar warned that under a federation, “since Turkey is not an EU member, the relationship between Turkish Cypriots and Turkey could gradually deteriorate.” He cautioned that such a path could lead to pressure for the withdrawal of Turkish troops and the end of Turkey’s guarantor status, furthering efforts to push Turkey out of the Eastern Mediterranean.

“All these possibilities,” Tatar concluded, “show why the two-state policy is vital for the future of the TRNC.”