TRNC Assembly Speaker Ziya Öztürkler described the upcoming December 6 elections as the most significant democratic test in the country's recent history, speaking on BRT's Manşet Artı programme. He noted that holding general and local elections on the same day marks a first for the country.
Öztürkler highlighted the disruptions caused by election bans, which bring parliamentary and bureaucratic work to a halt during campaign periods. Expecting a higher turnout than in previous elections, he urged citizens to exercise their democratic right and vote in both contests.
Speaking on behalf of the National Unity Party (UBP), Öztürkler said the current legislative term had been marked by stability and meaningful reform. "We are a party that built the state, delivered services and signed off on major projects. With the people's support, we will be back in government on December 6," he stated.
Öztürkler defended the municipal reform, saying it had significantly boosted local service capacity in areas such as infrastructure, parks and sanitation. He also pushed back against criticism of large joint projects with Turkey, citing the Century Water Project, fibre-optic infrastructure, the Republic Campus and the natural gas project as strategic gains. "Natural gas is a strategic asset," he said, adding that it would lower electricity costs and improve living standards.
Reporting on his visit to Bishkek for the 15th General Assembly of TÜRKPA, Öztürkler said Kyrgyzstan's Assembly Speaker Marlen Mamataliev had indicated he would visit the TRNC if formally invited. On the Cyprus issue, Öztürkler argued that the Greek Cypriot side portrays itself as willing to reach a settlement internationally while in practice avoiding a solution. "We will continue on this path without abandoning sovereign equality or putting Turkey's guarantor role on the table," he declared.
