The countdown has begun for the presidential election in Northern Cyprus, set to take place on October 19, when Turkish Cypriot voters will elect the country’s 9th President.
A total of 218,313 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots. Eight candidates — most of them running as independents — are competing for the nation’s highest office.
According to the election calendar that began on August 24, voter cards will be distributed until October 16, while the campaign period will officially end at 6:00 pm on October 18.
To win the presidency in the first round, a candidate must secure more than half of the valid votes cast. If no one achieves an outright majority, a runoff election between the top two candidates will be held on Sunday, October 26.
Order of Candidates on the Ballot
Osman Zorba – Socialist Party of Cyprus (KSP)
Tufan Erhürman – Republican Turkish Party (CTP)
Arif Salih Kırdağ – Independent
Ahmet Boran – Independent
Mehmet Hasgüler – Independent
İbrahim Yazıcı – Independent
Hüseyin Gürlek – Independent
Ersin Tatar – Independent
Voting Process and Guidelines
Under the Constitution, all citizens aged 18 and older have the right to vote. Ballots will be cast at 777 polling stations across the country.
Voters can find information about their assigned polling station and ballot number by entering their ID number on www.mahkemeler.net or www.ysk.gov.ct.tr under the section “Where will I vote?”.
Those who have not received their voter card may still vote by presenting valid photo identification, such as:
TRNC or Turkish Cypriot Federated State ID card
Police ID
Driver’s license
Passport
Voters will mark their choice by stamping “EVET (YES)” in the box beneath their preferred candidate’s name. To be valid, each ballot must bear only one stamp — otherwise, it will be considered spoiled.
Voters with disabilities who cannot access their assigned polling stations due to stairs or lack of ramps can contact their district election boards by October 16 to request special arrangements.
The election will be overseen by 2,331 polling officers appointed by the Supreme Electoral Council (YSK), with observers representing candidates and political parties present at each ballot box to ensure transparency.
( Source: BRT News)
