Turkish Cypriots on the divided island of Cyprus are casting ballots in an election seen as a choice between deeper ties with Turkey or closer relations with Europe. The main contenders are hard-right incumbent Ersin Tatar and center-left Tufan Erhurman. Tatar supports permanently dividing Cyprus, aligning closely with Turkey. Erhurman advocates negotiating with Greek Cypriots for a two-zone federation. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, with only Turkey recognizing the independence of the northern third. Greek Cypriots reject the two-state solution, fearing Turkish control over the entire island.
