AKP offers to ease conditions of deputies

ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) plans to allow those convicted of terrorism charges to be elected as lawmakers, in a move that could pave the way for militants in the mountains to become a part of politics.

In its written submission on the “legislation” chapter to Parliament’s Constitution Conciliation Commission, the AKP did not include “being convicted of terrorist acts” among the requirements of running for Parliament. The ruling party’s submission also left out “having completed military service,” “not being banned from public service,” and “not being convicted of revealing state secrets” as conditions. The AKP’s offer also includes giving lawmakers legal immunity for all crimes committed after being elected to office.
The ruling party also offered a new system of “substitute lawmakers.” The candidate that loses the election in their electoral district will be listed as a “substitute lawmaker” and will go to Parliament in case the elected lawmaker vacates his or her post due to death or resignation.