Erdogan Promises Cosmopolitan and Global Turkey
Rizwan Ghani
July 23, 2007
PM Erdogan’s gamble to advance the general elections from Nov. ’07 has paid off and country’s ruling party has won a landslide victory for another five year term. Ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) with 47 percent votes has secured 341 seats in a 550 seat Turkish parliament in accordance to country’s proportional representation (WPR) election process. The nationalist-minded Republican People’s Party (CHP) secured 21 percent votes translating into 113 seats. The far- right National Movement Party (MPH) got 15 percent votes translating into 70 seats. Independents won 26 seats out of which Turkish Kurds have won 24 seats; a highest number of seats won by them in last fifteen years.
Islamic-rooted AKP victory in the elections dubbed as battle for Turkey’s soul have raised debate over country’s future with respect to its secular identity in wake of hyped up media reports of AKP’s support for Foreign Minister Gul who stood by his wife’s decision to continue wearing headscarf. Country’s secularist elite alleged that after election victory AKP is likely to adopt party’s hidden Islamic agenda. These allegations have been rejected by the party representatives, public and Turkish media alike.
In response to opposition’s allegations that Erdogan promise to respect country’s secular entity is part of his political pragmatism a ruling party’s spokesperson said that, “AKP is reflecting culture of people. It has no hidden agenda. It is ruling in European way and there is no going back”. In addition to AKP’s promise to respect secular status of the country legally, first three articles of country’s constitution ensure state’s secular status and the fourth article itself blocks any change in first three articles concerning state’s secular identity through votes etc.
On the contrary, the election results show public’s disapproval of upscale secularist mentality. They turned too elitist in defending alcoholism, free lifestyle, theatres, cinemas and expansion of cultural centers. In the process, they lost support of public at large. In all probability the world might see spillover of infighting in CHP in form of resignations in near future. Erdogan on the other hand followed his policy of helping “cosmopolitan and global” Turkey honor human rights and individual rights in Istanbul’s bid to realign with rest of the advanced world.
Those observing Turkey closely are of the view that country’s young and growing educated elite is more comfortable with their religion and culture associated with religion. Turkey’s 97 percent population is (Sunni) Muslim. Most Turks believe that choice of wearing headscarf is more of an individual choice than making a religious statement. In latest polls the number of women wearing headscarves has come down to 60 percent as compared to 70 percent last year.
AKP’s victory has been termed as endorsement of Erdogan’s social, economic and political reforms. In economic terms, country’s sustained annual growth rate of seven and half percent, infrastructure development and policies focusing on eradication of poverty have helped consolidate AKP’s position in the masses. As a matter of fact AKP had no real opposition. Country’s opposition parties including CHP and other secular elite wasted their energies in opposing the rulers but failed to offer real practical alternates to Erdogan’s development programs, plans and social uplift schemes.
In political terms, the AKP has returned to power with stronger mandate in the aftermath of a standoff over its bid to get FM Abdullah Gul elected as country’s next president. The gridlock resulted in speculations of another military takeover, which had a strong possibility. Since 80’s military has already disrupted country’s political system on four occasions. By opting for elections, Erdogan avoided a likely show down with country’s other power centers including military.
It is opined that strong public mandate for AKP will help other power brokers to rationalize their positions. AKP’s spokesperson said that Turks have shown that they do not respect military’s interference in country’s political affairs. The strong representation of Kurds in national parliament is likely to ease nationalist and military pressure on Istanbul and allow government more maneuvering space with respect to Kurdish issue.
Experts have rejected the possibility of any military incursion on Northern Iraq and have solicited adoption of democratic path instead of using force against Kurds. It is believed that a good political system should “absorb” Kurd demands and with presence of 24 Kurd MPs in the parliament it will be easier to rationalize ground realities. Reportedly, out of these Kurd MP majority are of Turkish origin that will further help facilitate resolution of Kurd political process through peaceful means. It is therefore opined that current military standoff on the Turkish-Iraqi border is likely to ease in near future. Otherwise, also Turkish forces as part of understanding with Baghdad are already stationed inside Northern Iraq to control likely terrorist activities targeting Turkey.
Istanbul is already pursuing policy of peace and stability within the country and the region to secure its geo-political interests and bustling trade and economic activities in Northern Iraq. It is believed that Istanbul is likely to seek US assistance to find a permanent solution to end PKK problem and restore peace in the region. PKK is already on the list of banned international terrorist organizations.
In terms of challenges Turkey’s leadership and power center should show maturity by allowing presidential elections to pass peacefully. It is opined that by having a mutually agreeable compromise candidate the prospects of any standoff can be avoided. In this respect there are little chances of Abdullah Gul’s re-nomination for country’s president in coming days. The dynamics of politics may have changed but not the opposition to party’s presidency candidate.
In terms of Kurds, Ankara may have to show pragmatism over political rights and legal rights to consolidate the prospects of peace in the region. Experts believe peace is a very real possibility if matters are decided inside the parliament than outside.
Erdogan has to put in a lot to fulfill his promise to turn AKP into a center right party as center left and left is also vying to win over the hearts of public while keeping the party distinction in ever merging party lines in modern politics focused on public issues. AKP cannot deny its “Islamic” identity but Turkey’s parliamentary election showed little overt signs politics based on religion. It was the party performances and manifestoes that attracted the voters. Thus, the performance bar for AKP has risen higher from the start. And in two years time from now if AKP contests next election against itself the challenge should not be a surprise for party leadership including Erdogan.
In terms of EU membership Erdogan has got a good start in form of British FM Milliband statement. Reportedly, Milliband has asked EU to reach out to Turkey. Erdogan has promised to keep EU membership as his main priority in next five years. However, EU needs to play a positive role in addressing Greek-Cyprus issue because instead of failing Turkey over the issue yet again. Similarly, as Ankara catches up on administrative reforms issues in step with EU standards European leaders including president Sarkozy may have to review their anti-Turkey position as remarked by one Turkish analyst, “with Muslim population Christian Europe needs to embrace Turkey”.
Finally, slogan of one nation, one flag, one country has brought Turkey a stable government. Erdogan called AKP’s victory a triumph of democracy. It is hoped that Turkey embarks on road to stability and prosperity with renewed zeal and its leadership is able to uphold its promises and realize aspirations of its public. However, despite a huge mandate it is not going to be easy to deal with president’s election amidst fears of another election, tackle with nationalist pressures and military buildup. It is therefore hoped that Erdogan and his team can walk the walk in days to come to deliver a cosmopolitan and global Turkey in terms of democratic reforms and strengthening freedoms including writers freedom.
Islamic-rooted AKP victory in the elections dubbed as battle for Turkey’s soul have raised debate over country’s future with respect to its secular identity in wake of hyped up media reports of AKP’s support for Foreign Minister Gul who stood by his wife’s decision to continue wearing headscarf. Country’s secularist elite alleged that after election victory AKP is likely to adopt party’s hidden Islamic agenda. These allegations have been rejected by the party representatives, public and Turkish media alike.
In response to opposition’s allegations that Erdogan promise to respect country’s secular entity is part of his political pragmatism a ruling party’s spokesperson said that, “AKP is reflecting culture of people. It has no hidden agenda. It is ruling in European way and there is no going back”. In addition to AKP’s promise to respect secular status of the country legally, first three articles of country’s constitution ensure state’s secular status and the fourth article itself blocks any change in first three articles concerning state’s secular identity through votes etc.
On the contrary, the election results show public’s disapproval of upscale secularist mentality. They turned too elitist in defending alcoholism, free lifestyle, theatres, cinemas and expansion of cultural centers. In the process, they lost support of public at large. In all probability the world might see spillover of infighting in CHP in form of resignations in near future. Erdogan on the other hand followed his policy of helping “cosmopolitan and global” Turkey honor human rights and individual rights in Istanbul’s bid to realign with rest of the advanced world.
Those observing Turkey closely are of the view that country’s young and growing educated elite is more comfortable with their religion and culture associated with religion. Turkey’s 97 percent population is (Sunni) Muslim. Most Turks believe that choice of wearing headscarf is more of an individual choice than making a religious statement. In latest polls the number of women wearing headscarves has come down to 60 percent as compared to 70 percent last year.
AKP’s victory has been termed as endorsement of Erdogan’s social, economic and political reforms. In economic terms, country’s sustained annual growth rate of seven and half percent, infrastructure development and policies focusing on eradication of poverty have helped consolidate AKP’s position in the masses. As a matter of fact AKP had no real opposition. Country’s opposition parties including CHP and other secular elite wasted their energies in opposing the rulers but failed to offer real practical alternates to Erdogan’s development programs, plans and social uplift schemes.
In political terms, the AKP has returned to power with stronger mandate in the aftermath of a standoff over its bid to get FM Abdullah Gul elected as country’s next president. The gridlock resulted in speculations of another military takeover, which had a strong possibility. Since 80’s military has already disrupted country’s political system on four occasions. By opting for elections, Erdogan avoided a likely show down with country’s other power centers including military.
It is opined that strong public mandate for AKP will help other power brokers to rationalize their positions. AKP’s spokesperson said that Turks have shown that they do not respect military’s interference in country’s political affairs. The strong representation of Kurds in national parliament is likely to ease nationalist and military pressure on Istanbul and allow government more maneuvering space with respect to Kurdish issue.
Experts have rejected the possibility of any military incursion on Northern Iraq and have solicited adoption of democratic path instead of using force against Kurds. It is believed that a good political system should “absorb” Kurd demands and with presence of 24 Kurd MPs in the parliament it will be easier to rationalize ground realities. Reportedly, out of these Kurd MP majority are of Turkish origin that will further help facilitate resolution of Kurd political process through peaceful means. It is therefore opined that current military standoff on the Turkish-Iraqi border is likely to ease in near future. Otherwise, also Turkish forces as part of understanding with Baghdad are already stationed inside Northern Iraq to control likely terrorist activities targeting Turkey.
Istanbul is already pursuing policy of peace and stability within the country and the region to secure its geo-political interests and bustling trade and economic activities in Northern Iraq. It is believed that Istanbul is likely to seek US assistance to find a permanent solution to end PKK problem and restore peace in the region. PKK is already on the list of banned international terrorist organizations.
In terms of challenges Turkey’s leadership and power center should show maturity by allowing presidential elections to pass peacefully. It is opined that by having a mutually agreeable compromise candidate the prospects of any standoff can be avoided. In this respect there are little chances of Abdullah Gul’s re-nomination for country’s president in coming days. The dynamics of politics may have changed but not the opposition to party’s presidency candidate.
In terms of Kurds, Ankara may have to show pragmatism over political rights and legal rights to consolidate the prospects of peace in the region. Experts believe peace is a very real possibility if matters are decided inside the parliament than outside.
Erdogan has to put in a lot to fulfill his promise to turn AKP into a center right party as center left and left is also vying to win over the hearts of public while keeping the party distinction in ever merging party lines in modern politics focused on public issues. AKP cannot deny its “Islamic” identity but Turkey’s parliamentary election showed little overt signs politics based on religion. It was the party performances and manifestoes that attracted the voters. Thus, the performance bar for AKP has risen higher from the start. And in two years time from now if AKP contests next election against itself the challenge should not be a surprise for party leadership including Erdogan.
In terms of EU membership Erdogan has got a good start in form of British FM Milliband statement. Reportedly, Milliband has asked EU to reach out to Turkey. Erdogan has promised to keep EU membership as his main priority in next five years. However, EU needs to play a positive role in addressing Greek-Cyprus issue because instead of failing Turkey over the issue yet again. Similarly, as Ankara catches up on administrative reforms issues in step with EU standards European leaders including president Sarkozy may have to review their anti-Turkey position as remarked by one Turkish analyst, “with Muslim population Christian Europe needs to embrace Turkey”.
Finally, slogan of one nation, one flag, one country has brought Turkey a stable government. Erdogan called AKP’s victory a triumph of democracy. It is hoped that Turkey embarks on road to stability and prosperity with renewed zeal and its leadership is able to uphold its promises and realize aspirations of its public. However, despite a huge mandate it is not going to be easy to deal with president’s election amidst fears of another election, tackle with nationalist pressures and military buildup. It is therefore hoped that Erdogan and his team can walk the walk in days to come to deliver a cosmopolitan and global Turkey in terms of democratic reforms and strengthening freedoms including writers freedom.
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