TRNC Residents Reveal Their Presidential Picks if Elections Were Held This Sunday

Residents of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have shared who they would vote for if the presidential election were held this coming Sunday. According to a recent poll, incumbent President Ersin Tatar holds a slight lead over his main rival, opposition leader Tufan Erhürman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP).

The survey was conducted in March 2025 by the Center for Migration, Identity, and Rights Studies (CMIRS), with 500 participants. Respondents were asked two key questions: which party they would vote for, and which presidential candidate they would support if elections were held this Sunday.

When it comes to party preferences, the CTP is currently leading by a narrow margin, followed closely by the National Unity Party (UBP). Both the Rebirth Party (YDP) and the Communal Democracy Party (TDP) also appear to be in a position to surpass the electoral threshold.

In the presidential race, Ersin Tatar came out on top with 35.11% of the vote. Tufan Erhürman trails just behind at 33.83%. Other candidates include former chief negotiator Kudret Özersay (6.6%), Transport Minister Erhan Arıklı (6.2%), and Nicosia Mayor Mehmet Harmancı (5.8%).

As a reminder, preparations for the 2025 presidential election in Northern Cyprus are already underway. The sixth president of the TRNC must be elected no later than October 12. So far, two candidates have officially declared their intention to run: Ersin Tatar, supported by the UBP, and opposition leader Tufan Erhürman of the CTP.