Turkish Cypriot President Wins Reelection After Rival Drops Out
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NICOSIA, Cyprus — Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf R. Denktash has won another five-year term as president after his only contender withdrew Wednesday from the balloting.
The victory by the 76-year-old Denktash comes a month before U.N.-sponsored negotiations between Turkish and Greek Cypriots are scheduled to begin in New York.
Denktash and Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu were to compete in a runoff Saturday in presidential elections in the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
But with Eroglu’s withdrawal, Denktash automatically becomes president, according to Turkish Cypriot law. A formal announcement by the Higher Electoral Board is expected today.
After hearing of Eroglu’s withdrawal, Denktash immediately turned his attention to the talks.
“With the strength you have given me, I shall go to New York on May 23 with more power, determination and pride,” he told his supporters at the presidential palace.
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