Northern Cyprus: CTP leader Sıla Usar İncirli urges citizens to defend democracy

Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Sıla Usar İncirli said she was following events at the Ulusal Birlik Partisi (UBP) candidate selection congress with concern. She called on citizens whose trust in politics has been shaken to defend democracy and the common future.

In a written statement, she said the events at the congress were a continuation and result of the approach seen in governing the country over the past five years. Despite debates at the congress, she noted, UBP leadership has not issued a comprehensive statement that satisfies the public. She also referred to claims about Prime Minister Ünal Üstel's Ankara visit, saying that if true, they would conflict with the respect due to the will of UBP members.

İncirli stressed that the country's most basic need is honest, transparent and accountable governance to restore trust in politics and state institutions. She urged all citizens who feel disappointed, regardless of past political choice, to defend the popular will, fair governance and the common future.