Presidential elections held today in Northern Cyprus: 777 polling stations open

Today, October 19, presidential elections are taking place in Northern Cyprus. Polling stations opened at 8:00 a.m. and will remain open until 6:00 p.m. Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are voting to elect a new president — the tenth head of state.

According to the Supreme Election Council (YSK), 218,313 voters are registered, and 777 polling stations have been set up across the country. Voting is being held in all six districts — Lefkoşa, Gazimağusa, Girne, İskele, Güzelyurt, and Lefke. The highest number of voters is registered in Lefkoşa (70,472), while the fewest are in Lefke (7,168).

The ballot includes eight candidates, six of whom are running as independents. Among them are the incumbent president, representatives of parliamentary parties, and public figures. Independent candidate Hüseyin Gürlek earlier announced his withdrawal, but according to electoral law, his name remains on the ballot.

To win in the first round, a candidate must secure more than 50% of valid votes. If no one reaches this threshold, a second round will be held on October 26, featuring the two candidates with the most votes.

Voters can check their polling place and station number on the official websites mahkemeler.net and ysk.gov.ct.tr by entering their ID number. Voting is allowed with any official photo ID — an identity card, driver’s license, or passport.

Strict regulations apply on election day. Until 7:00 p.m., media outlets are prohibited from publishing forecasts, commentary, or preliminary results. Wearing party symbols in or around polling stations is also banned. The sale and consumption of alcohol are suspended until the end of the election, and entertainment venues remain closed.

These are the ninth presidential elections in the history of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the eleventh leadership vote among Turkish Cypriots since 1974. Vote counting will begin immediately after polls close, with preliminary results expected late in the evening.