Opposition waiting for the AKP candidate

You know, there is a habit or a convenience to show, in every matter, as if the opposition is awkward. We see that the same thing is happening in the presidential elections, too.

The argument is the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) candidate is certain, whereas the opposition has not yet come up with an individual.

These criticisms are neither realistic, nor appropriate to the nature of politics.

First of all, it is unjust to say the opposition does not have a candidate, on the contrary, names are ready at the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), only their search to widen the support is ongoing.

Once you know that the opposition does not have any problem in nominating people, the reasons and justifications why they do not go public with these candidates should be considered.

Those criticizing the opposition should think about why Prime Minister Erdoğan has delayed the nomination of a candidate from the end of May to mid-June. Moreover, it seems as if the announcement of the AKP candidate will be further delayed.

When we look behind the scenes in both CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s and MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli’s contacts, we can see the effects of this delay.

Both leaders are happy with their contacts. However, this situation does not necessarily mean a joint candidate will be nominated.

Both leaders, with the belief that the profile they have drawn for the presidency has been widely accepted, are becoming more comfortable.

It could also be said that a consensus has been reached at certain aspects for the election operation to proceed smoothly, for example, the prime minister who asked the resignation of their posts from Cabinet ministers who were running for office in the local elections as the requirement of political ethics in the case that he becomes a candidate for presidency, will be made an issue that he keeps his post and he will be complained about to the people. 

The inequality of resources will be mentioned and Erdoğan’s resignation will be voiced.

Both the CHP and the MHP have made their candidates slightly known to each other. Despite this, contacts will continue and leaders will meet at least once more because, justifiably, both parties – and I underline this – target nominating a candidate that their voters would absolutely support without the waste of one vote in the second round.

The leaders’ hopes that this is possible are rising.

There is another fact that needs to be known well: There is a gap for the opposition between Gül’s and Erdoğan’s candidacy. The opposition regards Gül’s candidacy stronger and considers Erdoğan’s candidacy more advantageous. 

That is one of the reasons why naming the candidates is being left until after the AKP names their candidate.

In other words, it is to keep the superior position and not give it to the AKP:

That’s why they are asking, “If the AKP’s candidate is Erdoğan and if it is a guarantee that he will be elected in the first round, then why are they postponing it?”

They interpret the delay as “The AKP has formed its strategy according to our candidate(s).”

It seems that as the government delays the naming of the candidate, the opposition will see it.

Meanwhile, Kılıçdaroğlu will be visiting Germany over the weekend. There will be mayors in the delegation, including Yılmaz Büyükerşen. This does not mean CHP has announced its candidate.