"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. "
More:Bill to allow vote for Turkish Cypriots in south
