Main opposition risks not having poll watchers in Pamukkale

Click to read the article in Turkish

It was reported that the main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP) will not be able to have poll watchers in Pamukkale, which is the largest district of the province of Denizli in southern Turkey. 

The political parties were obliged to submit their lists to be assigned as poll watchers as members of balloting committees until 17:00 pm. on April 23, 2023, Sunday to the district electoral board presidencies. 

CHP Pamukkale district organization submitted its list at 17:05 on April 23; and the Justice and Development Party (AKP) raised an objection to it, on grounds of late submission. 

AKP Pamukkale District President Uğur Gökbel, talked to the press in front of the Pamukkale Electoral Board Presidency yesterday (April 26) where he said that CHP submitted the list including 437 original and spare members late, and added, "Of course, the elections is something serious. It has to be followed seriously and carefully. Therefore we see once again that those who call on the people to protect the ballot boxes failed themselves." 

CHP Denizli: The judicial process is continuing

CHP Pamukkale district president Arda Arpacı on the other hand argued that they were delayed five minutes due to "adverse weather conditions" and requested that their balloting committee list should be accepted. 

However, Denizli Provincial Electoral Board refused the request by CHP, approving the decision by the district electoral board.  

Speaking to bianet, CHP Denizli Province President Ali Osman Horzum said, "We made our objection to the decision. The judicial process is continuing." 

CHP Vice-President and Denizli MP Gülizar Biçer Karaca, on the other hand, said "We will be giving our response to those who lay their hopes on this in the field. We are working. We are visiting the marketplaces in the city. Unfortunately, they are trying to take benefit of this situation. But this also shows that they will be leaving." (VC/PE)