Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu: If you announce a candidate, there will be fragmentation within the party

Sinan Burhan, Editor-in-Chief of the Millet News Agency and a guest on tv100, shared details from his conversation with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu regarding the presidential candidacy process that has recently become a hot topic within the CHP.  

Speaking about the process of determining the presidential candidate in the CHP, Kılıçdaroğlu said, “What needs to be done is to call for an early election. But if you announce a candidate, there will be fragmentation within the party. You cannot sustain your effort for 3 years.”

In his remarks, Burhan stated, “I met with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu on Monday. I asked Mr. Kemal, ‘If Ekrem İmamoğlu is announced as the presidential candidate, would there be judicial protection?’”

Kılıçdaroğlu replied, “Even if he becomes a candidate, he will not gain parliamentary immunity. Since the Supreme Election Council has not announced a calendar, let’s say the elections are 3 years away, what will happen?

Are we going to talk about Ekrem İmamoğlu’s candidacy for 3 years?

While he is serving as the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, are we going to talk about what İmamoğlu would do if he wins the presidency, instead of focusing on his services and actions?”   

WARNING OF FRAGMENTATION

Burhan relayed that when he asked Kılıçdaroğlu, “If Mr. Ekrem is announced, will Mr. Mansur stay in the party, or will other people who want to be candidates be uncomfortable?”, he received the following response: “Yes, they will. From the moment you enter a primary, there will be disgruntled people whether Mr. Mansur wins or Mr. Ekrem wins.

Supporters for them will emerge. One group of deputies will support Mr. Ekrem, and another group will support Mr. Mansur. Therefore, the election issue must definitely be addressed, but a candidate should not be announced.

What needs to be done is to call for an early election. But if you announce a candidate, there will be fragmentation within the party. You cannot sustain your effort for 3 years.”  

News Source: 12punto