In a significant political shift, Turkish opposition candidate Tufan Erhurman has emerged victorious in the leadership election of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), as announced by the Turkish Cypriot High Electoral Council. This election, which attracted more than 218,000 registered voters, presents an opportunity for the island’s governance and its future political landscape.
Erhurman, the chairman of the centre-left Republican Turkish Party (CTP), garnered an impressive 62.76 percent of the votes, defeating incumbent Ersin Tatar, who received 35.81 percent in the contest held on October 19, 2025. The election outcome has been framed positively by Erhurman, who stated, “There are no losers in this election. We, the Turkish Cypriot people, have won together,” emphasizing a collective victory for the community.
Throughout his campaign, Erhurman highlighted the importance of diplomatic engagement, particularly in foreign policy efforts, expressing his intent to work closely with the Republic of Türkiye. This collaboration underscores the enduring ties between Northern Cyprus and Türkiye, which plays a crucial role in providing stability and security in the region.
The previous leader, Tatar, supported by the Turkish government, endorsed a two-state solution for Cyprus. In contrast, Erhurman plans to reopen negotiations with Greek Cypriots aimed at achieving a federal reunification of the island. This represents an evolution in the island’s approach to political reconciliation, reflecting a desire for collaboration and dialogue. Having previously served as TRNC Prime Minister and participated in critical talks under former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, Erhurman is positioned to bring a wealth of experience to the table.
The island of Cyprus has a complex history, having been divided since 1974 following a coup aimed at unification with Greece. Turkish Cypriots declared independence in 1983 after Türkiye’s military intervention safeguarded the Turkish community on the island. Historically, Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, yet the Greek Cypriot south remains the only part with full EU benefits, while many Turkish Cypriots hold EU-recognized passports.
In a significant gesture toward reconciliation, Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides extended his congratulations to Erhurman, reaffirming his commitment to resuming talks with Turkish Cypriot authorities. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also praised Erhurman’s victory, expressing Türkiye’s continued support for the sovereign interests of the TRNC.
As Northern Cyprus navigates a pivotal moment in its political journey, the election of Erhurman signals a renewed focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration, offering hope for a more unified future for the island. The shift in leadership may foster an environment conducive to reconciliation and mutual understanding amidst a historically divided landscape.
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