# Hamit Bakirci re-elected as mayor of Yialousa and Rizokarpaso

> Hamit Bakirci has secured a second four-year term as mayor of Yialousa and Rizokarpaso after running unopposed in the upcoming local elections.

- Published: 2026-11-09T22:00:02.000Z
- Category: world
- Source: [Cyprus Mail](https://cyprus-mail.com/2026/11/10/turkish-cypriot-rizokarpaso-mayor-re-elected-without-contest)
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Hamit Bakirci was declared the duly elected mayor of Yialousa and Rizokarpaso on Monday for a second four-year term. He secured the position without contest as no other candidates stood against him. The Turkish Cypriot supreme election council confirmed his victory alongside other local officials who were also elected unopposed.

**Why it matters:** The confirmation of Bakirci and other local officials unopposed provides early clarity on the composition of local government roles ahead of the December 6 elections. This process, overseen by the Turkish Cypriot supreme election council, finalizes leadership for the Yialousa and Rizokarpaso municipality for the next four years.

## Background and Political Career

Bakirci, whose campaign received an endorsement from the UBP, was first elected to the mayoral role in 2022. Prior to his tenure as mayor, he served as a member of the Turkish Cypriot legislature from 2013 to 2018 as a representative of the DP party. During his time in the legislature, he held the positions of education minister and environment minister under then-prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu.

## Local Election Process

While the broader Turkish Cypriot local elections are scheduled for December 6, the supreme election council has already ratified the list of candidates running unopposed. Other officials confirmed in their roles include Akay Darbaz, who was re-elected as mukhtar of Nikitas, and Melek Arabacioglu, the mukhtar of Yenikent.

### Timeline

- **2013-2018** — Hamit Bakirci served as a member of the Turkish Cypriot legislature.
- **2022** — Hamit Bakirci was initially elected to the role of mayor.
- **Monday** — The Turkish Cypriot supreme election council declared Bakirci the elected mayor for a second term.
- **December 6** — The date set for the Turkish Cypriot local elections.

**Key points**

- Hamit Bakirci won a second four-year term as mayor of Yialousa and Rizokarpaso.
- The election was uncontested, with no other candidates filing to run against Bakirci.
- Bakirci previously served in the Turkish Cypriot legislature between 2013 and 2018.
- The Turkish Cypriot local elections are officially scheduled to take place on December 6.
- Akay Darbaz and Melek Arabacioglu were also confirmed as unopposed winners for their respective mukhtar positions.