Elected Mayors Switching Parties Before Term Ends is 'Qualified Fraud,' Says CHP Official

Gürsel Tekin, who was appointed as the trustee for the Republican People's Party (CHP) Istanbul Provincial Directorate, has strongly criticized the practice of elected mayors switching political parties before completing their terms. Tekin asserted that such actions constitute a form of "qualified fraud."

"It is not possible for us to accept elected mayors changing parties before their terms are over," Tekin stated. He argued that these shifts disrespect the mandate given by the people. "No one should mind me saying this, but this is a form of qualified fraud," he added, underscoring the severity of his stance.

Tekin's remarks highlight a contentious issue within Turkish politics, where elected officials sometimes change party affiliations after winning elections under a different party's banner. His comments reflect a sentiment that such moves undermine democratic principles and the voters' choices.

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It is not possible for us to accept elected mayors changing parties before their terms are over. This is a form of qualified fraud. No one should mind me saying this, but this is a form of qualified fraud.