A political tremor has jolted Turkish Cyprus on the eve of presidential elections as Ankara made an 11th-hour attempt to boost its favorite candidate, but the controversial move could have repercussions beyond Turkish Cypriot politics and impact settlement efforts in long-divided Cyprus. Only Turkey recognizes and props up the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Prime Minister Ersin Tatar, one of the front-runners in the Oct. 11 polls, was a guest of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara Oct. 6. In a clearly timed move, the two leaders announced the resumption of a water pipeline from Turkey to the TRNC after nine months of repairs. 

They also made a surprise decision to partially reopen the Cypriot coastal town of Varosha, an off-limits military zone since Turkey’s 1974 intervention that sealed Cyprus’ division after years of ethnic strife. Some beaches and an avenue were reopened to the public two days later.

The decision drew UN and EU protests and sparked a political storm in the TRNC as it lacked parliamentary or cabinet approval. Protests over Turkish intervention in favor of Tatar were already rife and even TRNC President Mustafa Akinci, who is running for reelection, has vocally criticized Ankara.