13.05.2026 14:42
{"text":"The CHP delegation brought up the "by-election" agenda during its meeting with the DEM Party in Parliament. CHP Deputy Group Chairman Gökhan Günaydın drew attention to Article 78 of the Constitution, arguing that a by-election is not a choice but a necessity. The DEM Party announced that it would evaluate the matter within its party bodies."}
The CHP delegation visited the DEM Party in Parliament with the "by-election" agenda. After the meeting, CHP's Gökhan Günaydın stated, "No one can get anywhere by running away from the ballot box."
The CHP delegation visited the DEM Party delegation in Parliament. It was stated that the CHP's demand for a by-election was discussed during the meeting. A brief statement was made after the meeting. In the statement, CHP Deputy Group Chair Gökhan Günaydın reiterated his call for a by-election, noting that many parliamentary seats have become vacant compared to the election held three years ago in Parliament.
BY-ELECTION IS NOT A CHOICE BUT A NECESSITY
Stating that they discussed the by-election during their visits, Günaydın said, "As you know, Turkey has very serious economic problems. Turkey has governance problems, and surveys show that two-thirds of the society desire an early election. It is useful to remind the AKP, which does not meet the demand for an early election, of Article 78 of the Constitution. Because a by-election is not a choice but a necessity. Article 78 says: If 30 months have passed since the last elections and there is one year until the next election, a by-election is held during this period if there are vacancies in Parliament. So, are there vacancies in Parliament? Yes, there are. Our deputies from Kırıkkale, Afyon, Adıyaman, and Kastamonu resigned, ran in the elections, and were elected as mayors. Therefore, there are vacancies in these four seats."
DEM PARTY RESERVED: WE WILL DISCUSS THIS ISSUE
DEM Party Group Deputy Chair Sezai Temelli, emphasizing that they consulted on the by-election issue, said, "First and foremost, we expect Can Atalay to return to Parliament from prison as soon as possible in accordance with the Constitutional Court's decision. On the other hand, we had a very important meeting on the by-election. Article 78 is clear. We will convey this issue to our committees as soon as possible, discuss it with our committees, and share the results of this meeting with you."
"LET US PREPARE THE BILL TOGETHER"
Responding to journalists' questions about the Peace and Democratic Society Process, Temelli emphasized that Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş should also take initiative regarding the process. Pointing out the importance of Parliament working effectively on the process, Temelli said, "Submitting our bill is not that difficult, but our priority is to enrich democracy, the negotiation ground, and to get this place moving. Therefore, we have priorities such as preparing a bill together. Our call to all parties is in this direction. The formation of the commission was already an important negotiation ground. Revitalizing this negotiation ground, especially in a place where such an important law is being discussed, will be very, very significant, we believe."
About Article 78 of the Constitution
Article 78 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey includes the regulation for "by-elections". According to the article:
If there are vacancies in the Turkish Grand National Assembly,
If 30 months have passed since the general elections,
And if there is more than one year until the next general election,
Parliament can hold a by-election. However, if the number of vacant seats reaches 5 percent of the total membership of the Assembly, a by-election becomes mandatory.
Additionally, the article stipulates that elections can be postponed for one year in cases where holding new elections is not possible due to war.