Unfortunately, politics has been done through polarization in this country for the last two centuries. The governing elites have been resorting to social and political engineering for two centuries. This attempt at engineering transforms into an imposition when it clearly contradicts national values as well as contemporary standards. There are certain attempts to create a status quo structure enabled by gangs whose extensions can be traced to within the state. The sine qua non of democracy, an independent judiciary and political parties, are perpetrators of intervention in the single-party government era.
What happened in the presidential election process is a prime example in this regard. Turkey’s European Union accession bid is the most eminent threat to the status quo favored by the governing elite. Because the resistance of the status quo will be broken in an EU-member Turkey, the figures of the status quo are taking the July 22 election as an opportunity to seek a balance adjustment. In other words, through this election we will finally realize the answer to the questions “Will Turkey further integrate with the world and adhere to democratic principles? or will Turkey keep its status quo?”
For this reason, the July 22 election is a moment of decision.
The alliances in the status quo “frontline” alone are sufficient to appreciate the vitality of this decision. This is a new scenario under which the roles are being redistributed and new, unlikely alliances are being formed. Besides this, there is the likely situation of ethnic Kurdish nationalism taking to the stage through the movement of independent parliamentary candidates. We will soon see whether they are coming for peace or for tension.
This election is nothing like previous ones. You have to observe that there is no discussion present during the election campaigns over how the imminent problems of the country will be resolved. There are certain references to the alleged threat directed against the republic. If you are not with the status quo, then you are part of the threat. You are the “other” according to the status quo. You have no say in this arena. You cannot rule even if you receive 99 percent of the popular vote.
For this reason, July 22 is moment of decision. This is the election of choice between those who seek a Baathist-type regime in Turkey and those who promote this nation’s integration with the world. This is the election of those who favor the continuation of the bureaucratic guardianship and those who prefer the civilian freedoms inherent in a democracy. This is the election of those who have faith in the will of the Turkish people and those who do not take the public choice into account.
At the election polls, we should all consult with our consciences. Discontent with the vote at the ballot box will mean that the voter is not casting his vote rightly. The worst indecisiveness is the one at the moment of decision. There cannot be indecisiveness in this election. Saying “I am undecided” is equal to supporting the status quo and admitting the rule of threats and blackmail.
Ask your conscience: Stability, peace and domestic integrity? Or tension, row, crisis and polarization?
Ask your conscience: Democracy or status quo?
Ask your conscience: Remain the inferior “other” or enjoy the protection of the fundamental rights under a civilian democracy?
Ask your conscience: Ethnic nationalism or a brotherhood fostered through mutual tolerance and respect?
And finally, shall we remember the old arguments and disagreements, or launch a fresh new start?
This election is a moment of decision. We are at a crossroads and will decide on our direction. We are not casting votes alone. We are taking the steps that will determine our future.
