Turkish opposition mulls female president candidate

ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News

Tarhan particularly criticizes the government over judicial malpractices. AA photo

It is still uncertain who will run as the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) candidate for the presidency in 2014, while a woman may compete for the post as a candidate of the social democrats for Turkey’s first popularly elected president.

“A female president would suit the Turkey of the 21st century well. I have several names on my mind,” main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu said in a live TV show late Wednesday.

Presidential elections will be held in the summer of 2014, but neither the AKP nor the CHP have yet nominated anyone for the post.

Although he did not reveal the name on his mind, Kılıçdaroğlu’s remarks over a female presidential candidate sparked curiosity.

Several names are being whispered in the CHP’s backrooms for the possible female presidential candidate. Many think that Ümit Boyner, the head of the Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen Association (TÜSİAD), is distinguished as the most likely candidate. Boyner often faces criticism from ruling party officials because of her opinions on political issues.

Emine Ülker Tarhan, the CHP’s deputy parliamentary group chair, is also among the names being rumored. A persistent challenger of the government, Tarhan particularly criticizes the government over judicial malpractices.

Güldal Mumcu, CHP lawmaker and deputy Parliament Speaker, is also on the list of the CHP’s potential candidates.