CHP head dismisses early elections

ANKARA

Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu vowed on May 16 not to push for early elections, saying that to ask for early elections is “opportunism.”

“We are not calling for early elections. We are a party that looks out for Turkey’s interests,” Kılıçdaroğlu said during an appearance on private broadcaster FOX TV.

He also stressed that constantly talking about elections shifts the agenda from economy.

“When will we talk about economy? The business world is unable to see ahead of itself. Calling for early elections after winning one is called opportunism,” he said.

“We are not an opportunist party. When the time comes, we will go and vote,” he continued.

The CHP does not trust the Supreme Election Council (YSK), Kılıçdaroğlu said echoing his prior remarks questioning YSK’s decision to renew elections only for Istanbul mayor but not for the metropolis’ 39 districts.

The party leader also underlined that YSK’s detailed ruling has not been released yet, accusing the body of “taking orders from some people” to delay the announcement.

“You stamp four voting papers. The voters, ballots and the committee are the same. You count these and decide that there is a problem in the metropolitan municipality. A man can only give this decision if he sold his conscience and will to someone else,” he said.

“Nobody who believes in the superiority of law and conscience can say otherwise. Some people from some other places are justifying the decision,” he added.

“Are they able to say we canceled Istanbul elections for this reason? The decision is not in accord with morals, conscience, and law. These should make some sense,” he said.

Kılıçdaroğlu once again accused the seven YSK members who voted in favor of the re-election of forming a “gang” and doing “illegal business.”

“You staged a coup on the law. Now, the residents of Istanbul will fix the law despite the seven judges,” he said.

The party leader reassured voters that they need not worry because the CHP will “protect the ballots.”