Erhürman Criticises Political Parties Law, Says Change Undermines Intra-Party Democracy

Erhürman said he did not consider the removal of the primary election requirement, or the uncertainty created by the amendment, appropriate from the perspective of democracy, particularly intra-party democracy. He also called for electoral laws not to be amended at the last minute before elections.

In a press statement on the amendment, Erhürman recalled that election-related restrictions had already come into force and that little time remained before the vote. He said the amendment passed by Parliament had been submitted to him the previous day, while political parties were making their final preparations.

He explained that he had signed the legislation despite his reservations, for the reasons outlined in his statement.

Primary Election Requirement Removed

Erhürman said the previous version of the law required political parties to determine their parliamentary candidates and candidate rankings in each electoral district through democratic primary elections supervised by the Supreme Election Board. Under the parties’ internal rules, delegates or members in each district would cast their votes.

The previous legislation also allowed party councils to select candidates in exceptional circumstances specified in party statutes. Erhürman said the system therefore established primary elections as the rule, with selection by party councils permitted only as an exception.

He quoted the new provision as follows:

“Political parties shall determine the candidates they will nominate in parliamentary general elections in the manner set out in their party statutes and regulations, provided that the process is supervised by the Supreme Election Board and complies with democratic principles.”

Erhürman said the amendment removed both the primary election requirement and the provision allowing party councils to intervene in exceptional circumstances.

“I Do Not Consider It Right in Terms of Democracy and Intra-Party Democracy”

Erhürman said he did not consider it appropriate to introduce such a change so close to an election, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the new provision.

“I must state clearly that I do not consider it right, from the perspective of democracy, particularly the principle of intra-party democracy, to introduce such a change so close to an election or for the amendment to contain such clear uncertainty,” he said.

Despite these concerns, Erhürman said he had chosen not to exercise his authority to return the legislation to Parliament.

He warned that doing so could consume valuable time and adversely affect the preparations and work of many political parties. This, he said, would create another problem and further controversy in terms of democratic principles.

“At Least They Could Hold Votes in Their Party Councils”

Erhürman said he hoped that parties choosing not to hold primary elections would at least conduct votes in their party councils, even though the amended law did not make this compulsory.

He also expressed the hope that similar changes to electoral legislation would not be introduced immediately before future elections.

“I hope that, regardless of the election result, such rushed amendments to electoral laws will not be made immediately before any future election,” he said.

Erhürman concluded by explaining that his statement was intended solely to place a note on the record and issue a warning for the future.