Öztürkler: Northern Cyprus faces its most serious democracy test on 6 December

Speaker Ziya Öztürkler, speaking on BRT’s Manşet Artı programme, said a first will take place in the country on 6 December and that the most serious democratic test will be held on that date. He said election bans bring bureaucracy, the Assembly and many activities to a standstill during election periods, and he expects turnout to be higher than in past elections.

Öztürkler described the National Unity Party as an established party that serves the public and undertakes major projects, and said he believes it will return to government with public support on 6 December. He said the municipalities reform has raised service capacity, with positive developments in infrastructure, park arrangements and cleaning.

On Cyprus, Öztürkler said the Greek Cypriot side views Turkish Cypriots as a minority, pursues policies aimed at obstructing their existence and devotes a major part of its revenue to armament. “We will continue on this path without giving up sovereign equality, without even opening the Turkish soldier’s guarantorship to debate,” he said.