*Photo: Muhammed Selim Korkutata - Ankara/AA
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The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Spokesperson Ömer Çelik evaluated the March 31 local elections in a press conference at around 12.05 a.m. last night (April 2).
Saying that "they welcome what the citizens say," Çelik made the following remarks:
"Turkey is a country that holds healthy elections. A country whose experience is very high. We have such an institution like YSK that everyone respects. It is useful to keep these in mind regarding the processes of appeal in Ankara and İstanbul. Our nation's appraisal in above everything. We welcome what our citizens say."
"Appeals have been made in Ankara and İstanbul"
"In terms of Ankara and İstanbul, the mismatch between the poll result records and counting-printout records are clearly visible for us. There is nothing more natural than making these appeals to eliminate the mismatch.
"Every party run the procedure of appeal for places where the elections are close. This method is important for every vote to find its place."
"We have a clear stance"
"Every election has its own character. Reading these results correctly is the duty of all of us. We have a clear stance against those who want to provoke the process of laying claim to the votes.
"We follow every vote that goes to the polls. A legitimate process is going on. Everybody should respect this process. The Supreme Election council will run the process with its experience and capacity, within the law."
"It is not possible to chase an undeserved victory"
"It is our duty to defend the right of every citizen who cast their votes. With the leadership of our President, we become the first party at the polls for the 15th time. So, it is not possible for us to chase an undeserved victory.
"We don't recognize any power above the national will. Whatever the results will be, we will say 'This is the order of our nation' and carry it like it is entrusted to us." (AS/VK)