By-election tension in politics: Özgür Özel answers the critical question

The possibility of a by-election in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey has become one of the main political agenda items following the move by CHP leader Özgür Özel. In Ankara's political circles, various scenarios, particularly regarding the "resignation formula," have been put on the table.

CRITICAL THRESHOLD FOR BY-ELECTIONS

In the 600-seat Parliament, at least 30 parliamentary seats must become vacant for a by-election to be held. While it is assessed that there are currently 8 vacant seats, it is stated that 22 more deputies would need to resign for a mandatory by-election to be triggered.

“RESIGNATION FORMULA” IN THE BACKROOMS

One of the most discussed options in political circles is the possibility of the CHP having 22 deputies resign. However, for this scenario to be realized, the resignations must be accepted by Parliament. At this point, the process enters a politically critical stage because the stance of the ruling party deputies is decisive in the acceptance process.

“IF THE BALLOT BOX COMES, THE NATION WILL DECIDE”

CHP leader Özgür Özel, in his statement to journalist Deniz Zeyrek, noted that public opinion regarding the political nature of the cases has reached 65 percent. Stating that their goal is to carry these discussions to the ballot box, Özel made the following assessment:

“It would be strong against the world, and it would be strong internally. If the nation says 'I want change,' something completely different will happen. If they are confident, let them come and hold the election; if we are thieves, let the nation pass our sentence.”

“AGREEMENT WITH THE AK PARTY IS NOT A CONDITION”

Explaining that they are focusing on a two-stage plan, Özel stated that the first step is to hold elections for the current 8 vacant seats. At this point, he pointed to the responsibility of Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş.

Stating that the second stage is to pave the way for a mandatory by-election, Özel expressed the following views:

“We do not need to reach an agreement with the AK Party for this. It is enough for the AK Party to comply with the constitution. A by-election can be held after 30 months have passed since the elections and up to one year before the normal election date. If we are going to hold an election for the eight vacant seats, Mr. Numan needs to take action and do it. If they are not planning for the eight deputies, they will be forced to do it when the number of vacant seats reaches 30. If they don't do it then, there is a political cost, such as 'running away from the election, from the ballot box.'”

“WHAT HAPPENS IF THE AKP DOES NOT ACCEPT THE RESIGNATIONS?”

Özel also clarified the question most wondered about by the public: “What happens if the AKP does not accept the resignations?” Stating that the process is clearly regulated by legislation, Özel used the following expressions:

“22 deputies will resign, the AK Party will resist. It's not like that, the legislation is clear. The Presidential Council will examine whether the signatures are correct within a week and refer them to the TBMM. It will be voted on in the General Assembly without debate.”

CHP leader Özgür Özel also made assessments regarding the possibility of not only general elections but also local elections. Stating that special elections could be held for municipalities where trustees have been appointed or where officials have been removed due to arrests, Özel said:

“Our claim is this: We are not behind in any of the places where we want elections compared to the day we were elected. If we put the ballot box in Bursa this Sunday, we would get 70 percent. Last Sunday, we would have gotten 50 percent. This reaction is being tried to be censored by the government. The AK Party and the CHP can agree to have the municipal council members resign and renew the elections, or we can do it with a temporary article by making a constitutional amendment.”

News Source: 12punto