CHP warns against the delay in top court ruling

ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News

CHP’s deputy group chairperson Emine Ülker Tarhan speaks to reporters.

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) warned yesterday of “irreparable problems” if the Constitutional Court drags its feet about taking up its application to cancel a law that limits President Abdullah Gül’s term to seven years.

“There is a possibility that our country and nation will face irreparable problems if a decision is delayed,” CHP deputy group chairperson Emine Ülker Tarhan said in a written statement.

She said that if the court cancels the law, Gül’s term will be limited to five years under the current Constitution, and will thus expire on Aug. 28, requiring elections. “Even though this possibility is well known, the Constitutional Court is still waiting. In order to end doubts and polemics on the issue, the judiciary is expected to fulfill its duties properly and in a timely manner,” Tarhan said.

Parliament elected Gül for a single seven-year term in 2007, but a constitutional amendment limits presidents to two five-year terms. The opposition has argued the amendment is binding for Gül. The Justice and Development Party (AKP), however, has insisted that the amendment cannot be implemented retroactively to shorten Gül’s original tenure, and in January passed a law that fixed his term at seven years.