The people of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are voting for a new president on Sunday.
Eleven candidates are competing in the election, including current premier Ersin Tatar and President Mustafa Akinci. Seven of them are independent.
AKINCI STRONGLY OPPOSED OPENING OF MARAŞ
“I wish good luck for TRNC,” said Tatar after he cast his vote. “Hopefully for the future of the TRNC, the right person to meet the expectations of our people will get in power, and we will protect the TRNC all together.” He hoped there would be a high voter turnout despite the coronavirus outbreak.
Urging the Turkish Cypriots to fulfill their civic duty, Tatar said the government has taken all the necessary precautions.
Turkish Cypriot PM casts his vote in presidential elections WATCH
The voting will end at 6 p.m. local time (1500GMT), and the Supreme Election Committee is expected to announce the results by 10 p.m. (1900 GMT).
As many as 198,867 registered voters will be able to vote in 738 ballot boxes.
