Mixed voting system abolished in TRNC

The mixed voting system has been abolished in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The General Assembly of the Assembly of the Republic re-approved the amendment to the Law on Elections and Referendums, which had been sent back to the Assembly for reconsideration by President Tufan Erhürman.

The regulation had previously been accepted by a majority vote in the General Assembly, which convened in an extraordinary session on September 10, 2026. Following President Erhürman's return of the law, the Assembly convened in an extraordinary session again today, and the amendment passed through the General Assembly once more.

Speaking in the General Assembly, TRNC Prime Minister and National Unity Party (UBP) Chairman Ünal Üstel stated that the regulation should be re-approved. Üstel noted that they want the amendment to come into effect before the December 6 elections.

Arguing that the abolition of the mixed voting system is not a new agenda item, Üstel stated that the issue was brought to public attention in 2023. Explaining that the regulation had previously been brought to the General Assembly but was withdrawn for further discussion, Üstel said that the demand did not come solely from the UBP and that it had been discussed with coalition partners.

Üstel conveyed that the chairmen of the Supreme Election Board had made assessments that it would be more appropriate to abolish mixed voting in island-wide elections. Stating that the opposition's views were also taken during the committee process, Üstel said that parties other than the TDP and CTP approached the regulation positively.

Expressing that a portion of mixed votes were deemed invalid in the 2022 elections, Üstel stated that he did not agree with the criticisms that the amendment would provide an advantage to a specific party. Üstel said, "We are simplifying the election. It has no benefit for the parties, but it does for our people."

Responding to criticisms regarding making changes to the election law shortly before an election, Üstel stated that it could be examined whether changes were made to the Law on Elections and Referendums 60 or 70 days before elections in the past.

Touching upon assessments made based on the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye, Üstel emphasized that the TRNC has its own separate constitution. Stating that the UBP does not fear elections, Üstel expressed his belief that his party would emerge from the ballot box in first place.

News Source: 12punto