Hatay: Right-Wing Voters Sent a Message to Turkey Through Election Results

Commenting on the election outcome and the resulting political landscape, Hatay noted that the margin of victory exceeded expectations. He argued that while part of Erhürman’s support came from voters favoring a federal solution, another portion represented dissatisfaction with the government and Tatar’s policies. He added that over the past five years, voters responded to internal UBP divisions and Turkey’s interventionist policies, sending a message “from the right, not the left.”

Analyzing voting trends, Hatay said, “Traditionally, about 50% of votes come from the right, around 30-35% from the left, and 20% from the center-right.” He described this 20% as voters dissatisfied with nepotism, patronage, and rent-seeking politics, a group that sometimes aligns with the left as a “critical mass.”

Highlighting Erhürman’s strong urban support, Hatay noted that many new citizens, mostly living in cities, voted for change, a phenomenon that requires further analysis. He also pointed out that in rural areas such as İskele, Erhürman received over 50% support—a threefold increase compared to previous elections—indicating a significant political shift. Hatay argued that these results have shaken the traditional “local vs. Turkish” voter debate and raised questions about how this new dynamic will shape future politics.

Hatay added that Erhürman’s election was positively received internationally, emphasizing that the vote demonstrated Cypriot Turks’ willingness to act independently under Turkey’s pressure. “It sent a clear signal: ‘Cypriot Turks exist,’” he said, underlining the need to develop new political strategies to ensure the voice of the Turkish Cypriot community is heard globally.

Commenting on statements by Erhan Arıklı suggesting that Erhürman supports a confederation model, Hatay recalled the Annan Plan process, during which similar claims about a confederation solution were made.