Recent Presidential Elections in North Cyprus: Results, What Changed, and What’s Next

Tufan Erhürman - New President of North Cyprus

Snapshot: Who Won and Why It Matters

Tufan Erhürman (Republican Turkish Party, CTP) won the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) presidential election held on 19 October 2025, defeating incumbent Ersin Tatar. Unofficial and official tallies reported ~62.7% for Erhürman vs ~35.8% for Tatar, with turnout near 64.9%. Multiple outlets frame the result as a pivot back toward federation-based peace talks rather than a two-state approach.

Erhürman campaigned on reviving UN-led negotiations and easing tensions with the south, while Tatar emphasized sovereignty and deeper alignment with Ankara under a two-state vision. Initial reactions from Nicosia (south) signalled openness to resume talks, while voices within Turkish politics showed mixed signals.

Key Results at a Glance

• Winner: Tufan Erhürman (CTP)

• Runner-up: Ersin Tatar

• Vote share: ~62.7% vs ~35.8%

• Turnout: ~64.9%

• Headline implications: Greater likelihood of federal-solution talks restarting under UN auspices.

What This Could Mean for Everyday Life in North Cyprus

1) Peace Talks & Crossings

Expect renewed momentum for UN-brokered negotiations. If confidence-building measures follow, that could eventually translate into smoother coordination at crossing points and incremental practical agreements (e.g., services, trade facilitation). Timelines depend on both sides and Ankara/Athens/Brussels.

2) Economy, Tourism & the Lira/Euro Reality

A calmer political climate generally supports tourism bookings and investor sentiment. While the TRNC will still operate with the Turkish lira, a détente could increase euro-denominated visitor flows and event traffic from the south—especially for golf, culture, and dining. (Macro shifts need sustained talks; don’t expect overnight changes.)

3) Property Market & Foreign Interest

More credible negotiations typically lift international interest and reduce perceived political risk—key for resales and new projects. Due diligence (titles, permissions) remains essential regardless of who’s president. Watch for any CBMs that touch planning, cadastral data, or dispute mechanisms. (We’ll update guides as policies clarify.)

4) Higher Education & Gaming Sectors

Campaign debate highlighted governance concerns in universities and the casino industry. Post-election, expect pressure for compliance and quality controls—changes that could impact recruitment, marketing, and licensing timelines.

5) Ankara–Lefkoşa Dynamics

President Erdoğan congratulated Erhürman; however, some nationalist voices in Turkey pushed contrary narratives (even referencing annexation). Policy will be shaped by Erhürman’s agenda and Ankara’s strategic priorities—a live variable for negotiations and aid flows.

What to Watch Next (Timeline)

• Next 2–4 weeks: Personnel choices; first signals to the UN and Greek Cypriot leadership on talks format and CBMs.

• Coming months: Whether informal meetings evolve into structured talks; any practical agreements on crossings, trade, or environment.

FAQs

Was there a second round? No. The margin delivered an outright win in the first round.

Does this immediately change border crossing rules? Not automatically. Any changes would follow new agreements and administrative steps.

Will property laws change now? Not immediately. Monitor cabinet decisions and any CBMs tied to the peace process. We’ll update our Property Guides if rules change.

2025 Presidential Elections in North Cyprus