AKP rules out early election rumors

ANKARA

The Turkish government does not have an early election in its agenda, ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) spokesperson Ömer Çelik has said, after the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader brought up the issue, saying the government might “have to go to early polls” due to economic troubles.

“There is no such thing as early elections. Elections have been concluded. In Turkey, the boss of politics is the people. Our citizens, nation wanted the elections to be over with. Elections are done,” said Çelik at a press conference on Sept. 18, following the AKP’s Central Decision and Management Board (MKYK) meeting.

“Early elections are not in our agenda. If a person is to bring this up as a political challenge, [CHP leader Kemal] Kılıçdaroğlu is the last person to do this. He has been frequently exhibiting an approach, saying Turkey is not being run efficiently,” Çelik said.

“The government knows its agenda. Turkey is being ruled with tenacity with the leadership of our president,” he added.

Çelik’s remarks came just a day after CHP chief Kılıçdaroğlu claimed that the government can go to an early election due to economic problems in the country.

“There is a political power that cannot overcome issues. The ruling party can mandatorily go to early elections, saying ‘I cannot rule this country anymore,’” said Kılıçdaroğlu, speaking in the western province of Denizli.

While Çelik ruled out any possibility of an early election, he also said that the government has been showing efforts in judicial reforms and international and regional summits.

“These reform processes, summits indicate that Turkey will take stronger steps both in domestic and foreign policies,” he said.

Turkey seeks political settlement in Syria

The AKP spokesperson also said that Turkey is seeking a political settlement to the lingering conflict in Syria and the elimination of threats on its southeastern border.

Referring to a trilateral summit on Syria in Turkey earlier this week, Çelik said: “It was extremely important for all three leaders to oppose these separatist agendas.”

Turkey has often highlighted a terror corridor along its border with Syria, referring to the YPG/PYD presence there.

State heads of Russia, Iran and Turkey attended the summit where it was reiterated that the peace process in Syria has to be led and owned by its people.

“Turkey continues to work with other parties as well as with Russia to control the situation in Syria’s Idlib,” Çelik added.