PM Erdoğan vows ‘to ban ban’ on AKP election ad

ISTANBUL

The ad raised considerable interest as some social media users argued that the gimmicks used were inspired by a popular science-fiction movie.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been left apoplectic over a ban on the broadcast of a Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) television ad for the upcoming local elections, slamming the High Elections Board (YSK) for the decision.

“Well then, we will ban this. We will ban the ban. Alternative formulas will be found,” Erdoğan reportedly told journalists after an election rally in the northwestern province of Tekirdağ on March 19.

The YSK justified the halt to the broadcasting of the ad produced by the AKP on the grounds that use of the Turkish flag was against the Election Law, upon complaints filed by the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

The board unanimously decided that the ad violated Article 8 of the law which prohibits political parties from using the national flag in their campaign materials.

The ad had also raised considerable interest among social media users as some argued that the gimmicks used were inspired by a popular science-fiction movie.

The following is the ad which Turkish televisions are expected to cease broadcasting after the YSK formally informs the Communication and Information Technologies Authority (BTK) and the Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTÜK) about the implementation of the ruling: