...

Turkey's president calls for early elections in April

Iran Materials 13 December 2006 17:56 (UTC +04:00)

(Cihan) - Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer has called for early elections in April, a month before his mandate expires, Turkish Milliyet daily reported.

According to Milliyet, Sezer shared his views on the issue with Devlet Bahceli, the chairman of the National Movement Party (MHP), during the latter's courtesy visit to the presidential palace, reports Trend.

Sezer's term in office is set to expire in May 2007. The conditions in Turkey are getting graver, according to the president, and early elections in April are necessary. He also stated that the new president should be elected by the new parliament.

President Sezer also recalled that elections in Turkey were never held on time. Elections are mostly conducted in a period shorter than five years. Until today, this period never exceeded three and a half to four years. Therefore, there aren't any obstacles for early elections. This is significant for Turkey's development, Sezer was quoted as saying.

Commenting on the current condition of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), the outgoing president remarked that the voters' will was not reflected on the representation of the parties in the parliament. He claimed that it shows that the representation of vox populi lacked justice. Sezer believes the election threshold should be reduced to seven or eight percent.

Latest

Latest