TURKISH CYPRIOT CITIZENS living abroad have have asked for the right to vote in a meeting held last week, in the capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Lefkosa (Nicosia).
The platform was at a meeting, where they took part in a press conference explaining their want for a right to vote.
The press conference was attended by directors and members of the platform including: Turkey Co-Chairman Nesim Tüzmen, England Co-Chairman Leyla Kemal and Australia Co-Chairman Nevin Hüseyin, alongside them were, the platforms General Secretary Ertuğrul Mehmet, Head of Council of England’s’ Turkish Cypriot Culture Associations Çetin Ramadan and General leader of Turkish Cypriot Culture Association Ahmet Zeki Buluç.
A Change of Law for the Right to Vote
In the press conference, the outcome of the meeting was read out by the platforms Turkey Co-Chairman- Nesim Tüzmen. She explained that in order for Turkish Cypriot Citizens who live abroad and would like the chance to vote, a change must be made to the Election and Public Vote Act.
THE RIGHT TO VOTE IN THE REFERENDUM SHOULD BE GIVEN
She also said: “Should a change be made the act for the right to vote, then Turkish Cypriot Citizens living abroad should also gain the right to cast their votes in the referendum. We request that it should allow a representative to be elected and use the current international voting systems as examples to create a system that is beneficial.”
“The reason for our union being formed is to make sure be help protect the rights of Turkish Cypriot Citizens living abroad and progress. As well as wanting to strengthen relations.” continued Tüzmen.
She concluded her speech by saying: “There has been speculation that should Turkish Cypriots living abroad be given the opportunity and right to still vote, that it will cause problems. This has come from the request being wrongly explained to the general public. We believe that the most affective formulas have been found against such problems, therefore the government of TRNC will select the best and most suitable one to be put into place.”
“It possible that the formula could be the Italy-Estonia Karma Model, but this is just a prediction.” said Tüzmen.