The Municipalities Amendment Law aimed at reducing the number of municipalities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was passed by parliament early Thursday morning.

The amendment law was passed by a majority of votes at the extraordinary session which lasted into the early hours of the morning.

The amendment has now brought the number of municipalities down from 28 to 18.

However, current workers at the municipalities which will be merged with larger municipalities will retain their benefits and rights.

In addition to the merging of municipalities, the four villages of Kaplıca, Kilitkaya, Tuzluca and Kalecik have now been placed under the jurisdiction of the İskele Municipality.

The next local elections will be held on November 27, 2022.

President Ersin Tatar has welcomed the approval of the Municipalities Amendment Law, stating that the law will allow reforms on local administrations to be implemented swiftly.

He said this will be an important gain for both the public and local administrations.