‘It’s a crucial vote’: Turkish Cypriots face choice between peace and partition
GuardianOCT 8
Pro-Reunification Candidate Wins Northern Cyprus Election
Above: Republican Turkish Party supporters celebrate in Nicosia, Cyprus on Oct. 19, 2025. Image credit: BIROL BEBEK/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Turkey remains committed to protecting the independent state of Northern Cyprus. This recognizes the reality of two separate peoples with distinct identities who cannot coexist under one roof. Federal power-sharing collapsed catastrophically in the 1960s when Greek Cypriots systematically excluded Turkish Cypriots from government and must not be repeated.
Narrative B
Turkish Cypriots have delivered a landslide victory for reunification, rejecting isolationist policies by nearly 27 points. This pro-European mandate shows the community wants EU integration and federal solutions, not endless division. The decisive win proves Turkish Cypriots are tired of being pawns in Ankara's games and demand a shared European future.