TRNC Premier on early elections

Replying to a question, Talat said that a bill fixing the date of early elections would be most probably approved during tomorrow’s (Wednesday) meeting of the Council of Ministers and later will be sent to the TRNC Parliament.

TRNC parliament on July 17 rejected a censure motion to unseat the Republican Turkish Party-Democrat Party (CTP-DP) coalition government.

The CTP-DP coalition government, holding 26 seats out of 50, was formed on January 13, 2004. The general elections were held on December 14, 2003 in the TRNC. But three members of the government parties were resigned following the April 24 referendum and left the government with a minority in the legislature.

The censure motion was tabled by the main opposition National Unity Party (UBP).

TRNC Prime Minister and CTP leader Mehmet Ali Talat earlier said that there was no alternative except early elections.

Government partners almost agreed to hold the early elections on November 7, 2004, Talat added.