But there is obviously a set of values that we can call sagacity, wisdom or conscience of this nation. A compassionate slap in the face to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), a reason for joy and relief for the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and an I-have-not-forgotten-you smile for the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) were so equally distributed that we must tip our hats. The message "You will be happy if you stay within the system" sent to the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) and the call on the Felicity Party (SP) to take one step forward are all decorated with well-balanced considerations. Seen from this perspective, this election has, in my opinion, many beneficial consequences. I attach special importance to two of them:(1) The people who call themselves secular feel considerable relief. They have now relinquished their illusion of being blockaded. Previously, they suggested that their secular lifestyles were under threat and that there was intolerable "neighborhood pressure" on them. They spoke about the risk of being alienated and produced such illusions. They grew so angry at those who had supported the AK Party in the previous elections that they humiliated them by calling them "drum headed" and "those who scratch their belly." The results of the March 29 elections comforted them. They began to have confidence in themselves. As we can conclude from the columns of writers who express their feelings, they no longer feel any animosity toward women wearing the headscarf or chador. They even think they can be neighbors. This normalization, this relief, this refreshed trust in people and democracy are very important. Without the AK Party losing votes and the CHP earning some 3 or 4 percentage points, nothing would give this sense of relief to these groups. The guarantee to be able to live together comes from democracy.
This has two benefits: First, the CHP and secular groups will no longer feel disparaged in the face of the overwhelming success of the ruling party and will no longer turn their eyes to the top judiciary or the armed forces for help. They will even oppose these institutions' involvement in politics. It is now extremely difficult to launch a closure case against the AK Party. They will not voice the argument "We can solve our problem through democracy so you should stop meddling in our business." Indeed, any intervention from the armed forces will considerably offend the secular groups.
Second, the atmosphere for social agreement -- the only way to prevent social polarization -- is in the making. As a matter of fact, the CHP's headscarf, chador and Quran course initiatives were no longer moves devised specifically for the elections. The CHP's coming to terms with conservative people is very precious for a secularism respectful of religious sentiments. The election results have opened the door for normalization, common sense and conciliation in Turkey.
(2) Another beneficial consequence is that the AK Party is being given an opportunity to correct its strategy. The nation loves some parties very much and treats them differently. However, its love never turns into blind love. The prime minister was mature enough to say on the night of the election that he has gotten the message and will act accordingly. We will now see this maturity in practice. It is high time for the AK Party to empathize with the secular groups and the people who support the DTP. The AK Party's most striking slogan was "You are Turkey. Think big." Now, as the ruling party, it should think big. Soon, US President Barack Obama will visit Turkey and Turkey will remember once again what a great country it is. But inside, we need social agreement -- and democratization is merely the road to this. With a rapid reshuffle of the Cabinet, the AK Party should be more embracing and make EU membership the top agenda item. All reform processes, including the drafting of a new constitution, should focus on the country's EU bid. This is the most effective method for integrating the CHP into the reform process. Having opened an office in Brussels, the CHP cannot extricate itself from EU-oriented efforts for democratization and liberty.
The AK Party is still the only party that can garner support from every region of Turkey. The AK Party still represents a chance for economic and political stability in Turkey. However, the AK Party should stand united, without diverse voices coming from inside and without allowing for hesitation about its straightforward progress.
