Call for by-elections in the Grand National Assembly: Opposition signals readiness for elections

The Republican People's Party (CHP) visited opposition parties in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) to share its agenda regarding early and by-elections. The latest stop for the CHP delegation was the İYİ Party group. The meeting was attended by CHP Group Deputy Chairman Gökhan Günaydın and Deputy Chairmen Gül Çiftci and Gökçe Gökçen, as well as İYİ Party Group Deputy Chairmen Turhan Çömez and Uğur Poyraz, Party Spokesperson Buğra Kavuncu, and Deputy Chairman Hakan Şeref Olgun.

Following the meeting, which lasted approximately 45 minutes, representatives from both parties appeared before the cameras. The main topic of the meeting was data indicating that public demand for elections is strengthening.

Speaking after the meeting, CHP's Gökhan Günaydın stated that the proportion of citizens wanting early elections in recent polls has reached 67 percent. Expressing that this is an indicator of the perception of unmanageability in society, Günaydın said, "We see that the political power is avoiding demands for early elections. However, holding by-elections as required by the Constitution is not a choice, but a necessity. The government should not ignore this reality. Do not run away from the election."

Emphasizing that the AK Party frequently resorts to transferring deputies and mayors, Günaydın argued that such practices harm the nature of politics. He also stated that efforts to transport voters for the elections to be held in five towns at the beginning of June are considered an attempt to mislead the public.

In the joint press conference, İYİ Party Group Deputy Chairman Turhan Çömez emphasized that the country has suffered great losses under the 23-year AK Party administration and that serious disruptions have occurred in the functioning of democracy. Çömez said, "People are struggling with hunger and misery on the streets. State institutions are in a state of dysfunction. The nation is waiting for an election and is looking for a solution at the ballot box. As the opposition, we are doing our best," he stated.

Drawing attention to the desire for change among the citizens they encounter in the field, Çömez said, "Citizens tell us, 'For God's sake, save us from them.' This is a historical responsibility on our shoulders." He also emphasized the importance of reviving hope in society and ensuring that the steps taken excite the nation.

Representatives of both parties argued that the current government does not take the Constitution into account and that the state order is being damaged, stating that opposition parties bear a historical responsibility. Summarizing the İYİ Party's stance, Çömez said, "We will support any ballot box placed before the nation and the result that emerges to the end."

The common view on the issues of by-elections and early elections was that these steps should respond to society's demand for change. Both parties expressed that democratic values have been damaged due to the government's "one-man regime" and unlawful practices.

On the other hand, responding to journalists' questions, Turhan Çömez criticized President Erdoğan's attempts to shape the opposition, saying, "Mr. Erdoğan, let the ballot box come before this nation. Do not be afraid, do not shy away from democracy and politics."

Regarding the debates on pension payments and holiday bonuses, CHP's Gökhan Günaydın stated that the current bonus amounts remain insufficient and should be increased to the level of the minimum wage. "There are 16.5 million retirees in Turkey, and the vast majority live below the hunger threshold. This picture is unacceptable," said Günaydın, touching on the importance of ensuring prosperity for retirees.

Çömez noted that the bonus increases given to retirees have melted away against inflation. "Citizens described as the poor will give the necessary message at the ballot box when the election comes," he said.

In the meeting, the CHP and the İYİ Party united in embracing the expectation of social change, agreeing that the popular will emerging from the ballot box is the most important solution.

News Source: 12punto