2003 Northern Cypriot Parliamentary Election

Background

The 2003 general elections of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus were held on December 14, 2003 (December 15 in some sources), in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. These parliamentary elections were the sixth time that Turkish citizens had voted for a government in the region since its declaration as an independent state in 1983.

Electoral System

The electoral system used in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is based on proportional representation, with five constituencies electing a total of 50 members to the Assembly of the Republic. Voters can cast as many votes in their district as there are seats available, allowing for a high degree of flexibility and choice.

Results

The results of the election saw the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) emerge as the largest party, winning 19 out of the 50 seats in the Assembly. This was a significant improvement from their previous performance in the 1998 elections, where they had come fourth.

Aftermath

Following the election, President Rauf Denktaş was required to decide whom to ask to form the next government under the Turkish Cypriot constitution. He chose Mehmet Ali Talat of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) to lead the formation of a coalition government. Talat had 15 days to establish a stable government, which proved to be a challenging task.

External Links

* TRNC Republic Council 2003 Year Elections
* North Cyprus parliamentary elections Home
* Elections in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
* Parliament elections Home