Parliamentary elections were held in Northern Cyprus on 19 April 2009, a year earlier than necessary.[1] The early election was decided upon by the ruling Republican Turkish Party.[2] Winning the largest portion of the vote, the National Unity Party won the election, and the party chairman, Derviş Eroğlu, became prime minister.[3]
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All 50 seats in the Assembly of the Republic 26 seats needed for a majority | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Turnout | 81.68% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
This lists parties that won seats. See the complete results below.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
171,000 Cypriots were eligible to vote. It has been claimed that of these as many as 100,000 were originally Turkish immigrants.[4]
Results
editThe National Unity Party (UBP) won the election with 44% of the vote.[5] The Republican Turkish Party (CTP) received 29% of the vote.[5]
 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Votes | % | Seats | /– | |
| National Unity Party | 622,804 | 43.97 | 26 | 7 | |
| Republican Turkish Party | 415,574 | 29.34 | 15 | –9 | |
| Democratic Party | 150,695 | 10.64 | 5 | –1 | |
| Communal Democracy Party | 97,334 | 6.87 | 2 | 1 | |
| Freedom and Reform Party | 87,879 | 6.20 | 2 | New | |
| United Cyprus Party | 34,239 | 2.42 | 0 | New | |
| Politics for the People Party | 7,091 | 0.50 | 0 | New | |
| Independents | 836 | 0.06 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 1,416,452 | 100.00 | 50 | 0 | |
| Valid votes | 124,293 | 94.29 | |||
| Invalid/blank votes | 7,521 | 5.71 | |||
| Total votes | 131,814 | 100.00 | |||
| Registered voters/turnout | 161,373 | 81.68 | |||
| Source: YSK | |||||
Analysis
editThe UBP's strong anti-unification position means that the results are likely to halt UN efforts to reunify Cyprus.[6] However, the UBP stated after its election victory that it wanted the talks to continue.[7] The UBP remains opposed to a federalist solution, however, and prefers a two-state solution; while analysts have stated that the UBP is unlikely to directly work against the talks, it might shore up resentment and opposition if the talks drag on too long or if it considers the outcome to be unfavourable.[8]
Reactions
editDerviş Eroğlu, the UBP chairman and the Prime Minister, stated, "I am proud that Turkey is our main native country. Thanks to our native country we are living calm and safe."[3] In addition, many Turkish Cypriots celebrated the UBP victory.[9] On the other hand, Greek news agency ANA-MPA reported "despair has gripped the Republic of Cyprus" following the release of early election results.[3]
Some analysts say that the new parliament could create difficulties for Mehmet Ali Talat, the peace negotiator for the Turkish Cypriots. With Talat's party gaining slightly fewer seats, "... it is obviously going to limit Talat's ability to act in a lot of ways, you know parliament is going to have a much greater say in all of this and really can tie his hands."[10]
References
edit- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-02-15. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Turkish Cyprus to hold early elections". Hurriyet.com.tr. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
- ^ a b c Leviev-Sawyer, Clive (2009-04-20). "Strong reactions to Northern Cyprus election". Sofia Echo. Retrieved 2009-04-20.
- ^ "Home | Famagusta Gazette Online | Breaking News, Cyprus Issues, Weath…". Archived from the original on 29 July 2012.
- ^ a b "World | Europe | Hardliners win N Cyprus election". BBC News. 2009-04-19. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
- ^ "International news - Radio Netherlands Worldwide - English". Radionetherlands.nl. Archived from the original on April 25, 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
- ^ "Nationalists sweep votes in general elections in Turkish Cyprus". Hurriyet.com.tr. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
- ^ "Nationalist election win risks Cyprus peace talks - Taiwan News Online". Etaiwannews.com. 2007-06-12. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
- ^ "Hardliners win N Cyprus election". BBC. 2009-04-20. Retrieved 2009-04-20.
- ^ Morley, Nathan (2009-04-19). "Turkish Cypriots Vote Could Complicate Reunification Talks". VOA. Archived from the original on 2009-04-24. Retrieved 2009-04-20.