UBP candidate selection election faces controversy and resignations

The National Unity Party (UBP) of Northern Cyprus held a primary election to determine parliamentary candidates for the upcoming December 6 general elections. While Prime Minister and UBP Leader Ünal Üstel characterized the event as a record-breaking democratic success with 8,929 members participating, the process was marred by significant controversy.

Following the announcement of results, 17 candidates filed formal objections to the rankings. The disputes centered on the party's first-ever use of a digital voting system, leading to calls from opposition figures for an independent technical and legal audit of the software and voting records. To resolve the impasse, officials decided to conduct a manual recount of the ballots under police supervision.

Amidst the chaos, Health Minister Hakan Dinçyürek announced his withdrawal from the parliamentary candidacy race and his intention to resign from his ministerial position. Meanwhile, Speaker of the Assembly Ziya Öztürkler raised concerns regarding the security of the ballot boxes, requesting they be transferred to the High Election Board.