Turkey ruling party veterans criticize Istanbul vote re-run

The two politicians used to be part of Erdogan's ruling party. (AFP/File)
  • Previous PM said the re-election damages one of Ankara鈥檚 fundamental values
  • Some predict the two politicians might start their own parties

ANKARA: Two former heavyweights of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan鈥檚 ruling party have criticized a decision to re-run the Istanbul mayoral election, expressing concern the decision would damage the state鈥檚 reputation.
They have added their voices to a chorus of criticism from abroad.
Former prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Tuesday said the decision to annul the results of the March 31 election, which was won by the main opposition, 鈥渃aused damage to one of our fundamental values.鈥�
鈥淭he biggest loss for political movements is not losing elections but the loss of moral superiority and social conscience,鈥� he wrote on Twitter.
The top election body on Monday ordered a replay of the Istanbul mayoral election. The shock victory of the main opposition in the election was a blow to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Abdullah Gul, former president and co-founder of the AKP, also criticized the ruling, saying it showed the party had not 鈥渕ade any headway鈥� since past constitutional spats.
Both men have fallen out with Erdogan since their time in office and there have been persistent rumors over the years that they may set up their own parties.
Gul, who has lately kept his distance from daily politics, compared the situation to a 2007 ruling by the country鈥檚 top court that prevented him from becoming president without a two-thirds majority in parliament.
鈥淲hat I felt in 2007... that is what I felt yesterday when another high court, the Supreme Electoral Council, took its decision. It is a pity that we have not made any headway,鈥� he tweeted.
Before last year鈥檚 presidential and general elections there was speculation that Gul would run against Erdogan, but he never did.
As well as protests from the country鈥檚 opposition, a number of countries have expressed concern at the court鈥檚 decision.
Germany Foreign Minister on Tuesday described the decision as 鈥渋ncomprehensible,鈥� and the European Union has asked for an explanation.
The replay of the Istanbul mayoral election is due to be held on June 23.