Cyprus-Forum.com

[brother]

Bill to allow vote for Turkish Cypriots in south
By Stefanos Evripidou


PARLIAMENT yesterday discussed a new bill that will give Turkish Cypriots living in the government-controlled areas the right to vote and be voted for in elections held in the free areas. For the first time in decades, the 2000-odd Turkish Cypriots living in the free areas can vote for the President of the Republic, though they cannot stand for President, as the Constitution provides that a Turkish Cypriot should fill the spot of Vice President.

The House Interior Committee yesterday heard from Legal Service representative Maro Tsiappa how Turkish Cypriots living in the south would soon be able to vote in local and national elections in Cyprus, including parliamentary and presidential elections, and stand as candidates in all elections bar one, that of President of the Republic. Turkish Cypriots who permanently reside in the free areas will be incorporated into the existing electoral roll, added Tsiappa.

The bill was drafted following a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in favour of a Turkish Cypriot applicant.

On June 22, 2004, the ECHR unanimously ruled in ‘Aziz vs. Cyprus’ that Ibrahim Aziz’s right to participate in free elections in his place of permanent residency was being violated. The Republic was ordered to pay 3,500 euro to cover costs.

“We are certain that with the passing of this bill into law, we fully satisfy the decision of the ECHR,” said Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Lazaros Savvides.

The constitution will not be changed to pass the law, which will be introduced based on the Law of Necessity. Any change in the constitution requires complex procedures including the approval of elected Turkish Cypriots.

Tsiappa highlighted that Turkish Cypriots living south of the divide would have the same electoral rights of Greek Cypriots, except they cannot run for President because such a right would require a change in the constitution.

During the debate, deputies raised important, unanswerable queries. Deputies asked what would happen if the 2,000 Turkish Cypriots living permanently in the south seek full implementation of the constitution, including filling the position of Vice President and refilling 30 per cent of parliamentary seats.

Tsiappa said she could not answer the question because it was a political one. Savvides replied that he did not wish to respond to a political question but if required would issue a written response.

Committee Chairman Andros Kyprianou postponed the debate for three weeks to give time for party discussions and further discussion with the Interior Minister and Attorney-general.




Main-source, there you go after 30+ years they are only now going to give back the tc rights to vote, for those who did not believe me, read it and weep. I never decieve and the truth always prevails.

[brother]

So no one got anything to say about this, kifeas, micatcyp, mikkie, bananiot etc.

[turkcyp]

deleted by the author...

[suetoniuspaulinus]

Perhaps I'm missing something here? Since when haven' t TC's living in RoC not been allowed to vote.?

[magikthrill]

oh wow this is kickass.

of course i dont see why a new bill needs to be put into law seeing as the constitution already states this is the law!!!!!!

does the RoC actually still "use"
the constitution from 1960 or has it been altered?

[suetoniuspaulinus]

Mr Magikthrill

You have clearly grasped the issue. Have TC's living in RoC been denied their right to vote for nigh on 45 years???

[turkcyp]

deleted by the author...

[magikthrill]

It stays there in the RoC official government web site for window dressing, advertising, propaganda purposes.

dumbasses looks like they are trying to compete with trncgov.com on who can come up with the most BS.

[suetoniuspaulinus]

oops

[magikthrill]

you know by responding to him you are only PROVOKING him turkcyp

just ignore him/her/it.