Özgür Çelik calls on AKP and MHP members ahead of deputy mayor election in Üsküdar

CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair Özgür Çelik issued a call to AKP and MHP municipal council members ahead of the upcoming deputy mayor election at Üsküdar Municipality.

Speaking on a program he attended on Halk TV, Çelik evaluated the election process and stated that eight municipal council members had been summoned to testify. Çelik alleged that pressure was being exerted on some council members.

Claiming that one municipal council member was threatened with arrest if they did not vote for the AKP, Çelik said, "I will disclose it after Tuesday; there is a council member who was told, 'I will have you arrested if you do not vote for the AKP.' And this includes those who have transferred."

Reminding that some municipal council members had been detained and arrested, Çelik called on AKP and MHP members to take a stance regarding the election.

''I want to believe that the AKP and MHP council members will not be a party to this evil mindset, at least a few of them, at least one or two, or three of them will not be a party to this evil mindset. They must show this to Turkey. They must show this to Turkey because they have to prove that there are still people with a conscience in this country. Because Üsküdar is the district of conscience. Do not be a party to this lack of conscience. Do not be a part of this lack of conscience.''

The deputy mayor election at Üsküdar Municipality is expected to be held tomorrow. Çelik's statements have brought the debates regarding the balance of power in the municipal council back to the agenda ahead of the election.