Niyazi Kizilyurek is set to become the first Turkish-Cypriot candidate to win a seat in European parliament should he be successful in next month’s European elections.
A prominent academic fielded by the leftist AKEL party, Kizilyurek could become the first Turkish-Cypriot to be elected in office in the Greek Cypriot-dominated republic.
READ MORE: Greece and the European Elections
Described as a ‘watershed moment’, his election would give the Turkish Cypriot community a voice in an international forum for the first time. AKEL’s decision to include Kizilyurek on its ballot has been applauded by pro-reunification supporters on the island that has been divided since 1983. The Turkish occupied part of Cyprus has only been officially recognised by Ankara.
The EU elections are due to take place between 23 and 26 May.