The Parliament has made a significant decision regarding the local and general elections scheduled for December 6, 2026. In an extraordinary general assembly, the proposal to amend the Election and Referendum Law was accepted by a majority vote. This regulation eliminates the mixed voting system and confirms that the elections will be held on the same day.
However, those opposing the law amendment criticized the timing of the process. CTP leader Sıla Usar İncirli stated that holding such an amendment just three months before the elections is problematic. İncirli expressed, “It is not right to bring such a change to the agenda in such a short time and alter the voting method.”
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, in his statement, noted that the law had previously come to the Parliament and that work had been done on it. Üstel also mentioned that a withdrawal situation occurred to facilitate the opposition’s contributions. Additionally, he pointed out that 41% of the votes in the 2022 elections were invalidated, stressing the necessity of this step to resolve the issue.
CTP Criticizes the Law Amendment
During the discussions at the meeting, CTP members of Parliament voiced various criticisms regarding the law amendment. MP Doğuş Derya emphasized the need for more participation and evaluation regarding the elimination of the mixed voting system.
Another CTP MP, Armağan Candan, raised concerns about the negative consequences of abolishing the mixed voting system, highlighting the importance of its proper functioning. He also stated that some practices within the election system relate to the mixed voting system and that a more meticulous effort was needed in this context.
Debates on the Election Process of Village Heads
YDP leader Erhan Arıklı pointed out the problems created by the mixed voting system in political life, stating that this system negatively affects the election results. Otherwise, he argued that a system should be established that allows voters to move more freely.
President Üstel refuted the criticisms regarding the timing of the law amendment, insisting that the Parliament continues to work efficiently. Reminding that the government previously passed 367 laws, Üstel emphasized that these laws were in the interest of the public.
The proposal for the Amendment to the Election and Referendum Law was accepted through item-by-item voting, and the outcomes of the discussions led to different comments and critiques from both sides.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
