Turkish main opposition calls for early local elections

By Emin Avundukluoglu

A[NKARA (AA) - The leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) on Tuesday called for early local elections in Turkey.

Addressing his parliamentary group meeting in capital Ankara, Kemal Kilicdaroglu said: "I am suggesting right now, let's protect democracy. Let's not wait for local elections for 17 [more] months.

“Let's move the elections to an earlier time."

Kilicdaroglu's remarks came following the recent resignation of some ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party mayors in the country.

On Monday, the mayor of western Bursa province announced his resignation, while mayor of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Melih Gokcek also said he was going to step down on Saturday.

Last month, Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas also resigned from his post, saying he would not cut ties with AK Party.

Earlier this month, Duzce Mayor Mehmet Keles also stepped down while last week, mayor of central Nigde province Faruk Aydogan also resigned from his post.

On Oct. 3, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is also the AK Party chairman, hinted to the press in Ankara that recent resignations were part of a reform of the party before the 2019 local elections.

Speaking to journalists in the parliament earlier in the day, Erdogan said early local elections would not be held in the country. "Have you ever heard something about it from us?" he said.

Turkey is scheduled to hold local elections in March 2019.