I am putting all political concepts aside. Honour and pride are the cement of a society. The presidential election reminded us of this once again. We witnessed the start of a labour that we have been feeling the pain of for a long time. The social will that was tried to be forgotten has been revived. A light of hope has been lit. This is only the beginning.

The past five years were not just a waste of time for Turkish Cypriots; it was a period of deepening deterioration, isolation and a crisis of representation. The fundamental role of leadership, which is the most basic duty of the President, had disappeared. No progress was made in the Cyprus negotiations. The voice of society was silenced, institutions were politicised, and the principle of the rule of law was undermined.

While we collapsed a little more every day in our domestic realm, we also became more isolated in the international realm. The world no longer believes the words of those who speak on our behalf. Because the reason for this disbelief is not external forces; it is the very viewpoint that surrenders its own will to the approval of others.

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Today, it is not only Cyprus but the entire region that is in labour pain. The Middle East is being reshaped; power balances, alliances, and international law debates are being rewritten on a daily basis. In the given framework, it is a historical necessity for Turkish Cypriots to regain their will to become a subject. Our commitment to our own strength, to the law, and to universal values is the most solid ground that will keep us standing.

In these times when democratic values are being questioned, we need to stand up for our will rather than retreating into our corner. Yet, maintaining this ground is not easy because for years, politics, along with its institutions, has been eroded.

Irregularity, favouritism and impunity have almost become a form of governance. Public good has been overshadowed by personal gain. No segment of society can tolerate this any longer, and the result is clear. The outcome at the ballot box has demonstrated this.

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The people chose to defend their honour, their labour, and their will. Because we know very well that if we give up the fight and sit back, life will stand still; darkness will grow, and change will not come. History is the story of those who resisted, even under the most difficult conditions. Ours will become a part of this story.

What is happening today is the final floundering of losers in stormy seas. Those who jeopardised ballot box security, those who tried to play with the will of the voters, those who erased the word ‘respect’ from their books. They will all go, one by one. Social existence is a much deeper reality, far beyond the artificial picture they painted.

In foreign policy, another lesson awaits us. While the world changed, we stood still. We are still preoccupied with the same memorised lines, the same false hopes. Yet the truth is clear: no country has recognised us, nor has our diplomatic isolation diminished.

The foundation of the new era must be justice, merit, true representation and commitment to the law. Because change is more than just an election result. It is a change in mindset. We must not let anyone take control of our will. Change has come, and this time, we have truly won.

This article was originally published on 22.10.2025

Source: AFTER FIVE YEARS: THE REBIRTH OF HONOUR, TRUE REPRESENTATION AND WILL