Turkey’s opposition insists on elections to be held on time

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and nationalist Good Party (IYIP) reiterated that they are against postponing Turkey’s elections due to the earthquakes that hit the country last week.

“The elections will be held on time,” CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu said, adding that a postponement would be a blow to democracy.

Addressing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, “This country already gave you 20 years. It can no longer give you another year, not even an hour,” he said during a press conference in capital Ankara on Wednesday.

Genel Başkanımız Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, basın toplantısı düzenliyor https://t.co/TarLEtiyk7

— CHP ???????? (@herkesicinCHP) February 15, 2023

IYIP spokesperson Kursad Zorlu on Wednesday also said that the elections should be held on time.

Stating that IYIP is a political party that believes in democracy, the rule of law and the principle of a constitutional state, Zorlu said "The rules are clear in our constitution and we will act in this direction”.

Parti Sözcümüz ve Genel Başkan Başdanışmanımız Prof. Dr. Sn. @zorlu77, gündeme ilişkin partimizin görüşlerini açıklıyor. https://t.co/UhHKpYLmaq

— İYİ Parti (@iyiparti) February 15, 2023

An official from Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Wednesday told Reuters that following Feb.6 earthquakes, the "physical conditions" are not suitable to hold the elections in June.

According to the AKP official whose name was not identified, Erdogan and Devlet Bahceli, the leader of Erdogan’s governing ally will make an assessment of the situation and say the last word, adding that November seemed like a good time to hold the elections.

Turkey’s presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for June 18 at the latest. Erdogan last month announced plans to hold the elections on May 14.