Northern Cyprus's ruling National Unity Party (UBP) is facing a significant internal crisis over candidate selection ahead of upcoming elections. Prime Minister Ünal Üstel reportedly asked certain members of parliament to step back from their candidacies, a move that has triggered open resistance within party ranks.
MP Ziya Öztürkler publicly declared he would not withdraw his candidacy, directly defying the reported request. Meanwhile, Ahmet Savaşan defended the election process, insisting it was being conducted according to party rules. Emrah Yeşilırmak was also reported to be pressing ahead with his own candidacy.
The dispute has laid bare deep divisions within UBP over who controls the candidate selection process and on what grounds MPs can be asked to step aside. Reports suggest some candidates withdrew only to return, while others refused to leave the race altogether.
The internal turmoil comes at a sensitive political moment, with the country in election mode. Whether UBP can resolve its differences and present a united front to voters remains an open question.
