İYİ Party Official: Opposition Parties Must Form Common Platform for Ballot Security

Hakan Şeref Olgun, a deputy chairman of Turkey's İYİ Party, has announced that his party has begun training its provincial and district organizations to ensure ballot security. This initiative comes as the country approaches a potential election period, with Olgun noting that citizens are uncertain about whether elections will even take place.

Olgun criticized the current government, suggesting it attempts to undermine public trust in politics. He believes this distrust stems from the government's alleged efforts to influence the opposition through the judiciary. "Citizens have started to think about whether there will be an election at all due to this judicial pressure," Olgun stated, asserting that such pressure has no effect on his party's resolve. He pointed to Article 67 of the constitution, which guarantees citizens' rights to participate in elections and political activities, as an unshakeable safeguard.

The İYİ Party official stressed the importance of ballot security, stating that citizens want assurance that their votes will be counted accurately. "I cast my vote, but where will my vote go?" Olgun questioned, highlighting the public's concern. His party is preparing its organizations in all 81 provinces, with training set to begin this month. The training will cover stages before, during, and after voting, including vote counting, data entry, and the objection process, aiming to inform citizens about each step.

Olgun also proposed forming a joint platform with other opposition parties to enhance ballot security. He believes this is a shared responsibility, not a competitive tool, but rather a means to ensure the rule of law. "Ballot security is not the problem of one or two parties, but of all opposition parties," he said, announcing that the İYİ Party has already initiated work on this front and he will personally request cooperation from other parties.