Opposition urges respect for Istanbul revote decision

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - A Turkish opposition leader on Wednesday called for respecting the Supreme Election Council’s (YSK) decision of a do-over election in Istanbul.

Devlet Bahceli, head of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), was speaking at his party’s parliamentary group meeting in the capital Ankara.

Bahceli said his party "surely" respects the decision of the YSK, adding: "We are waiting for everyone to pose the same attitude and same moral consistency."

He said that the YSK registered the irregularity in Istanbul election in the March 31 local elections.

"All discussions are over. Everybody should respect YSK's decision, Bahceli added.

On Monday, the YSK accepted the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party's objection to the local election results in Istanbul with seven votes in favor and four against.

It said the decision was taken as some ballot committee members who served during the elections were not civil servants as required by law.

The YSK announced that a do-over election in Istanbul will be held on June 23.