A wave of optimism has swept through the campaign camp of Tufan Erhürman following public support for his candidacy by Serdar Denktaş. The former ‘minister’ and son of late Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktaş announced he will back Erhürman, the leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), in the upcoming 19 October ‘presidential elections’ in the north.
Denktaş’s endorsement is expected to boost morale among Erhürman's supporters and may strengthen his appeal among centre-right voters, a key demographic that could influence the outcome of the election. The development also signals a shift in the political dynamics, as Denktaş's support potentially draws votes away from incumbent ‘president’ Ersin Tatar.
Recently, Serdar Denktaş announced the formation of a new centre-right political party named Social Justice and Struggle (TAM). While TAM’s electoral strength remains untested, given it has not yet contested an election, Denktaş clarified that his support for Erhürman is a personal decision, and that members of his newly formed party are free to vote according to their conscience.
A clear anti-Tatar, anti-Ankara position
Denktaş had already made his position clear in June, stating he would do ‘whatever it takes’ to prevent Ersin Tatar from securing re-election. He also publicly questioned Tatar’s claim of being a political disciple of Rauf Denktaş, remarking that the two had only spoken ‘fewer than five times’.
Over the past years, Denktaş has consistently adopted a critical stance against Ankara's involvement in the affairs of the Turkish Cypriot community. He notably opposed the attempted extradition of Turkish Cypriot journalist Şener Levent to Turkey, and has condemned what he views as excessive interference by Turkish authorities in the internal matters of the north.
It is therefore unsurprising that Denktaş has thrown his support behind Erhürman, whom he described as a politician who ‘will not clash with Turkey, but will not say yes to everything either’.
Candidates submit nominations
On Friday, 12 September, both main contenders for the Turkish Cypriot leadership officially submitted their candidacies to the so-called ‘Supreme Electoral Council’ ahead of the 19 October vote.
Ersin Tatar was the first to submit his candidacy, accompanied by supporters, his wife Sibel Tatar, several ‘MPs’, and the leaders of the three ‘coalition’ parties — National Unity Party (UBP), Democratic Party (DP), and the Rebirth Party (YDP). In his remarks, Tatar reaffirmed his commitment to the independence and sovereignty of the unrecognised entity, declaring that there would be no concessions to Greek Cypriots and no ‘false hopes’ for a federal solution.
Tufan Erhürman later submitted his candidacy, flanked by his wife Nilüfer Bektaş Erhürman, supporters, and senior figures of the Republican Turkish Party. He was also joined by former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and the ‘mayor’ of Nicosia, Mehmet Harmancı. In his statement, Erhürman declared: ‘We are submitting our candidacy to start a new era together.’ He spoke of a patriotic ‘people’ committed to peace and human rights, expressing hope that ‘this country, these people, will once again be proud of themselves, their country, and their institutions’.
Electoral timeline
Party-backed candidates submitted their nominations today, while independent candidates are expected to file by 15 September. According to the so-called ‘Supreme Electoral Council’, the final list of candidates will be confirmed on 21 September, with the official announcement to follow on 22 September.
A draw to determine the ballot order will be held on 21 September, and the official campaign period will begin on 23 September. The publication of opinion polls will be prohibited after 4 October, and the campaign will officially conclude on 18 October, one day before the ‘election’.
Distribution of ‘ballot papers’ must be completed no later than 16 October, and all election activities will cease the day before the vote.