Arıklı: YDP And DP Agree On Holding Elections In October

His remarks came after Prime Minister Ünal Üstel’s  statement in parliament on December 6, in which he called for local and general elections to be held together.

Speaking on Kanal T, Arıklı said coalition partners hold differing views on the election timetable, noting that the Rebirth Party and the DP support an October vote.

He said the National Unity Party (UBP) favours holding both elections together in December, while his party prefers October, adding that the Democratic Party shares this position.

Arıklı stated that if UBP insists on holding both local and general elections together in December, the Rebirth Party has certain conditions, referring to a previously announced four-point proposal which he said overlaps with the DP’s position.

“On these four points, we are in agreement with the DP,” Arıklı said, adding that UBP’s response to the proposal would become clearer following upcoming talks.

He argued that elections should not be delayed, saying: “Let the ballot box be brought to the people as soon as possible and let us consult the will of the people. Let the 2027 budget be prepared by the new parliament and the new government.”

Arıklı also reiterated his party’s proposals for changes to the electoral system, including simplifying or abolishing preferential voting, redrawing electoral districts, allowing political alliances, and raising the electoral threshold.