While the investigation into the fund fraud scandal that has shaken public opinion continues, the political repercussions of the investigation have also been reflected in the polls.
According to a report by the pro-government newspaper Türkiye, polls presented to the AKP leadership showed a 3-4 point decline in the party's vote share following the investigation.
It was stated that the majority of voters who have broken away from the AKP have not turned to other parties, but remain undecided about supporting the AKP.
While party officials assess that it is possible to win back this voter base, they point out that the combination of these developments with economic problems poses a political risk.
CONCERN OVER VOTER LOSS IN AKP
In AKP corridors, the view is also being expressed that the loss of votes cannot be explained solely by the fund investigation. Party sources, stating that economic difficulties affect voter behavior, are particularly concerned about the increasing tendency not to go to the polls.
Party sources evaluated the change in the voter base with the following words:
"Voters are not yet running away from us to go elsewhere. But there is a segment that does not want to vote for us either. Both because of economic difficulties and recent events. A group of undecided voters or a community that will not go to the polls is forming. This is very dangerous. The majority of those who did not go to the polls in the local elections were AK Party voters. We must break this cycle. Citizens want to see concretely that they are being held accountable. We have succeeded in this on the bureaucracy side; we must not owe anyone anything. If there is a political leg to this business, it must also be revealed and held accountable. The President has this determination."
REACTION FROM MPS TO THE INVESTIGATION
The fact that some names close to the AKP and the party have come to the fore in the fund investigation has also caused a reaction among members of parliament. It was reported that some MPs called on the party leadership to disclose the names mentioned in the investigation.
It was stated that the MPs conveyed their discomfort to the management with the words, "Whoever is involved in this business must be announced as soon as possible, otherwise we are all under suspicion."
NEW STEPS ON THE AGENDA TO COMPENSATE FOR VOTE LOSS
Following the picture that emerged in the polls, it is stated that the AKP leadership is working on a new roadmap to regain voter trust.
In this context, it is planned to explain to voters that those determined to be involved in the fund fraud must be held accountable regardless of their political connections or positions. Party officials assess that merely making statements will not be enough and that taking concrete steps against those responsible is of great importance.
In AKP corridors, it is stated that it must also be revealed whether there is a political leg to the investigation, and the view is expressed that conducting the process transparently will be decisive in terms of regaining voter trust.
News Source: 12punto
