Four candidates running for the mayoralty of the Nicosia Turkish Municipality (LTB) gathered at the 'Youth Asks' panel organized by the Nicosia Youth Association (LGD) ahead of the December 6 local elections. Candidates Deniz Demircioğlu, Mehmet Aktunç, Mehmet Harmancı and Özkul Haraç all attended and responded to questions posed by young participants.
LGD Youth Policies Secretary Vedia Bakıroğlu explained that the event was organized to discuss local governance policies that will shape Nicosia's future, while also addressing young people's concrete needs, urban rights, expectations from municipal services and demands for democratic participation.
Bakıroğlu emphasized that bringing together candidates of different political views to face questions from young citizens was of great value for the development of democratic culture. "It is extremely meaningful that different political perspectives and approaches can come together around the questions of young people," she said.
She further noted that democracy is not limited to casting a ballot, but is strengthened when citizens are able to ask questions, express their views and engage directly with those seeking to govern.
Bakıroğlu concluded by thanking all mayoral candidates for their participation, as well as the Cyprus Waqfs Administration and the Youth Federation for their support of the event.
