Polls have closed in elections in the the breakaway state of Northern Cyprus, with turnout reported to be high.

A BBC correspondent on the island says the outcome could affect United Nations efforts to achieve a negotiated settlement.

Our correspondent says opposition gains would weaken the hard-line position of the Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash.

He has rejected any federal solution to the division and refused to negotiate over Cyprus' membership of the European Union.