Commentary on the Presidential election from CHP: The candidate must be determined in cooperation with the opposition

CHP Deputy Chairman responsible for Education Policies, Yıldırım Kaya, met with journalists at the CHP Headquarters. Responding to questions following his presentation on his party's "Public Education Republic" policy, Kaya stated that the CHP would not act alone in the presidential candidacy discussions.

Emphasizing that they have not abandoned their commitment to a return to a strengthened parliamentary system, Kaya said that they must act in concert with opposition forces who are dissatisfied with the current system. Kaya said, "The CHP will not determine a candidate on its own; it will conduct its struggle with a joint candidate."

Kaya stated that no party can form an alliance with other political parties by approaching them with the attitude of "This is my candidate, come and support them." Pointing to the 50+1 threshold in the presidential election, Kaya reminded that the ruling power also enters elections with alliances.

Responding to a question regarding the statements of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş, Kaya said that the program and management approach should be more decisive than the debate over names. Kaya assessed, "It no longer matters who the presidential candidate is. We need to explain this to the public: Not who, but what will they do?"

Kaya stated that the CHP is not a "one-man party" within itself, noting that the will of the party congress would be decisive. Expressing that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has never said "I am a candidate" for any position to date, Kaya stated that everyone in the party can be a candidate and that no candidacy can be blocked.

Providing information on the CHP's congress and convention calendar, Kaya said that the process has begun, but even if an accelerated calendar is implemented, district congresses cannot begin before October 17. Kaya stated that the date of the grand convention would be clarified after the provincial congresses are completed in February; he noted that the convention could be held in March, or at the latest, in the March-April period.

Addressing allegations that mixed-gender education would be effectively abandoned, Kaya argued that such practices are being implemented in some regions. Warning governors, provincial directors of national education, and school administrators, Kaya said that public officials must act with the responsibility of the Republic founded by Atatürk.

News Source: 12punto