Tuncer Bakırhan responds to 'election bargaining' claims: It is an insult to Erdoğan and Bahçeli

DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan made assessments regarding the process being conducted under the banner of a "Terror-Free Turkey" and contacts with the ruling wing. Speaking on T24's YouTube broadcast, Bakırhan categorically rejected claims that "election bargaining" was taking place with the AKP and MHP.

Stating that they expect the process to be moved to a more concrete stage in the new legislative period of Parliament, Bakırhan said, "With the opening of Parliament in October, hopefully more concrete steps will be taken." Bakırhan emphasized that the issue of peace should be handled beyond political calculations.

REJECTION OF ELECTION BARGAINING CLAIMS

When asked whether elections were brought up during meetings with the ruling party and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Bakırhan responded by stating that doing so would be unfair to both MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli and Erdoğan.

Is the President of a country, or the person leading a very important party, going to come and bargain over elections with us? Is it that cheap, is it that simple? Those who voice this thought are being very cheap and simplistic. Rest assured, there is no such thing.

Pointing to developments in the region, Bakırhan said that uncertainties continue in Iran, Syria, and Iraq, while there is a "100-year-old Kurdish issue" in Turkey. Bakırhan stated that within this picture, the topic of making peace and walking together with Kurds in Turkey should be seen as normal.

Bakırhan also spoke about the release of former HDP co-chairs Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ. Recalling the ECHR ruling, Bakırhan said, "There is no need for a new law for Demirtaş and Yüksekdağ. There is an ECHR ruling, therefore they could be released even an hour from now."

Stating that they hope Demirtaş and Yüksekdağ will make it to the congress on September 6, Bakırhan said that the issue is on the agenda of both the DEM Party and the contacts being held with the state. Bakırhan stated, "We are not a movement that forgets its comrades inside."

News Source: 12punto