Freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed in both parts of the divided island but is threatened by this division. In the north (the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus), the presence of more than 30,000 Turkish army soldiers limits coverage of political developments. In the rest of the island, political parties and the Orthodox Church exercise a great deal of influence. The church controls part of the TV station Mega while the daily newspaper Haravgi and Radio Astra support the communist party (AKEL).