YENİ Party Chairman Özgür Özel made statements regarding the presidential candidacy debates following public meetings in Bursa and Yalova. Responding to questions from T24 columnist Murat Sabuncu, Özel drew attention to Ekrem İmamoğlu's situation in his assessment of a potential candidacy for Mansur Yavaş.
Özel used the phrase "technically and legally, as long as he can be a candidate, he is the presidential candidate" regarding İmamoğlu's candidacy. Stating that İmamoğlu's candidacy could only be withdrawn by his own decision or the will of the nation, Özel said that Mansur Yavaş has also taken a mature stance during the process.
Recalling the candidate determination process during the CHP era, Özel stated that İmamoğlu was determined with 15.5 million votes. Arguing that the government will make efforts to block İmamoğlu's candidacy, Özel noted that this possibility brings Mansur Yavaş's name to the forefront once again.
They will do everything to ensure Mayor Ekrem does not become a candidate. In this case, Mansur Yavaş's candidacy is a very important option.
Özel specifically emphasized that this assessment does not mean placing Yavaş in the position of a "backup candidate." Reminding that Mansur Yavaş had previously withdrawn his own claim as long as Ekrem İmamoğlu's claim continued, Özel described Yavaş's attitude as "fitting for the spirit of the day."
YAVAŞ NOT JOINING THE PARTY
Özel was also asked about Mansur Yavaş not joining the YENİ Party. Özel said that as long as Yavaş does not explicitly distance himself from him or the party, there is no problem.
As long as Mr. Mansur does not come out and say 'I am not with Mr. Özgür, I am not with the YENİ Party,' there is no problem.
Stating that they meet with Mansur Yavaş regularly, Özel expressed that there is no disagreement or contradiction between them on this issue. Özel also stated that many mayors and council members are making their own schedules to join the party, and that communication continues with those who have not yet been able to join.
News Source: 12punto
