Nicosia - Voters in the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus went to the polls Sunday to choose a new leader in a runoff that could accelerate UN-backed efforts to unify the island.
Polling stations closed at 6:00 pm (1500 GMT) across the disputed territory, which covers the northern third of the Mediterranean resort island and which is seen as illegal by nearly every country on Earth.
Nationalist incumbent Dervis Eroglu won the most votes in last weekend's first round but is expected to be trumped by challenger Mustafa Akinci, a longtime advocate of reconciliation with Cyprus's internationally recognised government.
Voters streamed steadily into polling stations in Nicosia from early morning, many bringing their children along to share the experience.
"For our future and our children's future it is important to vote," said Arman Anik, 38. "We are entering a critical period and it is important to give the job to the right person."
Akinci is a former mayor of the Turkish Cypriot half of the island's divided capital Nicosia and has openly supported reunification with the Republic of Cyprus.
A UN-monitored ceasefire line has divided the island since 1974 when Turkish troops occupied its northern third in response to an Athens-inspired coup seeking union with Greece.
The Turkish Cypriots, who had already pulled out of government institutions in the face of communal violence in 1963, declared their breakaway state in 1983.
But it is recognised only by Turkey, which provides around a third of its budget.
Voters said they hoped their next leader would end Turkish Cypriots' international isolation.
"We are under stress. There are economic problems and respect for each other has decreased due to our indefinite (status)," said Nazife Kunt, 65.
The United Nations has put forward multiple peace plans but they have all failed, notably a plan by then UN chief Kofi Annan that was approved by Turkish Cypriots but rejected by Greek Cypriots in simultaneous votes in 2004.
AFP
