With the Cyprus problem clearly not a priority, Turkish Cypriots go to the polls early today to elect new members of the "parliament" following the resignation of the three-party occupation coalition "government".
As can be seen from the period leading up to the so-called elections, the Cyprus problem is not a priority not only for the candidates but also for the citizens, who seem to be going to the polls with the economy, the effects of the pandemic and other issues that affect their daily lives.
Another process that will take place under the watchful eye of Turkey, whose interference has not been lacking this time either.
Problems have again led to early elections
"Parliamentary elections" in the pseudo-state are held every five years. The last such "elections" took place four years ago, on 7 January 2018, and were also premature.
The inability to secure the necessary quorum for the "parliament" to meet in recent months, the problems between the "government partners" and the internal party problems they were facing can be described as the main reasons for the decision to hold "early elections". It should be noted that the 'parliamentary elections' are being held in a climate of economic and health crisis caused by the pandemic and the fall in the exchange value of the Turkish lira.
The "Supreme Election Commission" announced that a total of 203,792 Turkish Cypriots have the right to vote in 763 polling stations.
Eight parties are participating in the so-called elections, with 403 candidates vying for parliamentary seats. Among the 403 candidates are 131 women, the youngest of whom was born in 1996.
The participating parties are the National Unity Party (UBP), the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), the Community Democracy Party (TDP), the Democratic Party (DP), the People's Party (HP), the Community Liberation Party-New Forces (TKP-YG), Rebirth Party (YDP) and the Independence Path Party (BY).
The parties must receive at least 5% of the vote, which is the necessary threshold for entry into parliament.
The lead in the polls and interventions
First in all polls is shown for the CPP, but without securing the majority needed to form a "self-reliant government".
The CPP is shown first in all polls, but without securing the majority needed to form a "self-reliant government". Therefore, the formation of a two or even three-party coalition "government" is expected to emerge, unless the CEC greatly increases its numbers.
The big loser compared to the previous election seems to be Kourtret Ojersai's CL, as the possibility of reaching again the 17% share it received in 2018 seems very remote. The hope that the CL had created in a section of the community with its appearance and pronouncements is being replaced with disappointment due to its performance over the last four years. The loss of electoral power should not be considered unrelated to the events that took place before the "presidential elections" and Ankara's support for Ersin Tatar, which caused dissatisfaction in Ojersai and his withdrawal from the "government" after the opening of the Famagusta enclave.
After a backstage then and the intervention of Turkey as well, 3 "MPs" left the CL to support the tripartite "government coalition" of KKE-DK-KA.
The percentage of abstention is also expected with interest, as well as whether and to what extent it will be due to the call of some extra-parliamentary parties and organizations to boycott the vote, due to Ankara's interventions both during the period preceding the "presidential elections" and afterwards.
The unofficial election results are expected to be announced by the electoral commission on Sunday evening, while the official results will be announced at the earliest 24 hours after the close of voting.
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