Öztürkler: “Lessons Will Be Learned From the Elections”

According to a statement from the Assembly, Öztürkler appeared on the Sabah Postası program on Kıbrıs Postası, answering questions from Gökhan Altıner. He noted that the presidential elections were completed with democratic maturity, that the people’s will was reflected at the ballot box, and that voters supported Cumhuriyetçi Türk Partisi (CTP) candidate Tufan Erhürman.

“THE PEOPLE HAVE MADE THEIR CHOICE; RESPECTING IT IS A REQUIREMENT OF DEMOCRACY”

Öztürkler emphasized that two different visions were presented to the public during the election: a two-state solution and a federation-based approach. “The people have made their choice. Respecting this choice is a requirement of democracy,” he said.

Reflecting on the election results, Öztürkler added, “As UBP, with our institutional structure and political experience, we will continue to play a decisive role in the country’s stability and development.”

On the topic of early elections, which have been discussed in the public sphere following the presidential vote, Öztürkler stressed that strategic decisions cannot be made unilaterally but require consultation with the party’s authorized bodies and government partners.

“FINAL DECISIONS WILL BE MADE BY THE RELEVANT MECHANISMS, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT PARLIAMENTARY ARITHMETIC AND GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONING”

He noted the importance of carefully assessing the post-election political atmosphere: “As UBP, we respect the will of the people. However, steps must be taken in consideration of the country’s stability and public interest. Final decisions on this matter will be made by the relevant mechanisms, taking into account parliamentary arithmetic and government functioning.”

Öztürkler said that calls for early elections from opposition parties and certain party circles are natural, but emphasized that such requests must be evaluated within the framework of political responsibility. “Maintaining political stability is our fundamental duty to the public,” he added, affirming that UBP will continue to act constructively and with a solution-oriented approach.

Reflecting on UBP’s objectives following the 2025 presidential elections, Öztürkler said the party will continue with a vision that respects the will of the people, strengthens state institutions, and reinforces the TRNC’s international presence. He added, “We will prioritize production-focused development policies, greater youth participation in politics and the economy, digital transformation, and the empowerment of local administrations.”

“BY-ELECTIONS CANNOT TAKE PLACE UNDER THE CURRENT CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK”

Öztürkler highlighted UBP’s economic policies, focusing on production, investment, and employment, and said, “We aim to improve the quality of life for our people with new projects in agriculture, tourism, and technology.”

On the topic of a potential by-election following Erhürman’s election as president, Öztürkler said such an election is not possible under the current constitutional framework. He also rejected suggestions from the Greek Cypriot side implying that a new negotiation process would automatically begin, stating, “The negotiation framework on the Cyprus issue is shaped not by personal changes, but by the will of the parties and international parameters. As UBP, we maintain our two-state solution vision, and there will be no retreat from this position.”