1. Prime Minister Erdoğan did not fall into the same error made by Turgut Özal and Süleyman Demirel. If he had decided to run for Çankaya, he would have left his ruling AK Party heading into an obscure adventure. 2. Many people wrongly believed that Erdoğan would not throw away the opportunity that came knocking on his door, and that no man could say “no” to the presidency when it was right in front of them. By nominating one of his comrades instead of himself, Erdoğan has introduced a whole new paradigm of selflessness and maturity to politics. Now there is a new Erdoğan, who has outdone himself, whose charismatic leadership has now gained even more strength, and who will carry his party to new heights and successes in the upcoming general elections.
3. Gül is certainly the most appropriate candidate, as there are three names that automatically come to mind whenever the AK Party is mentioned; Erdoğan’s, Gül’s and that of Parliament Speaker Bülent Arınç. When Erdoğan proclaimed “I’m not a candidate,” only two names could pacify and give comfort to the party’s voters and parliamentary group: Gül or Arınç. Gül’s achievements in the post of foreign minister, his qualities as a statesman appreciated by many and his amiable personality trusted both by the West and the Islamic geography have made him the perfect candidate. Arınç, to me, is the AK Party’s conscience, and the party has listened to its conscience. Alongside Erdoğan, Arınç’s also having outdone himself with his democratic maturity should be noted. The fact that Gül is a very appropriate choice was also demonstrated in the enthusiasm and excitement of AK Party’s parliamentary group; there were even deputies who wept in view of such selflessness. Any other name would surely be a source of resentment since no one would then be able to prove wrong the scene where AK Party would have appeared to have been “subdued” in the name of conciliation and for the sake of conjuncture.
4. Turkey’s most important matter internally and externally is EU membership. The process of full membership became official and set off on the right track during the AK Party’s term. And one of the most important architects of this process has been undoubtedly Gül. He has put his signature on the process as foreign minister. In the event he goes to Çankaya, Turkey will catch a new break on the way to full membership. The tangible danger of retiring into ourselves, which perpetually suggested itself during Ahmet Necdet Sezer’s term as president, will disappear from our country’s horizon for good.
5. Gül’s nomination has not only comforted the voters and organizations of the AK Party, but also all of Turkey, particularly the business world. However the opposition led by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) hasn’t renounced its obstinacy in saying “See, I could be very stubborn.” Presidential elections are events which must be celebrated like a wedding or a festival. With its policy of tension and harsh stance, the CHP resembles the grumpy old man at the wedding who kicks up a fuss. Why on earth are you spoiling the happiness of the people?
Those who apparently could not quench their thirst for anger in Ankara’s Tandoğan Square are now organizing another demonstration in Istanbul’s Çağlayan Square, which will also serve to invite all sorts of provocations. We should welcome all democratic reactions, but say “no” to anger and hatred. As long as a certain segment of the Turkish society portrays those who don’t think and feel the way they do as traitors, enemies and spies, we cannot base our democracy on safe and sound foundations.
6. The Motherland Party (ANAVATAN) and the True Path Party (DYP) will be making a vital examination from tomorrow onward until the election comes to an end. CHP’s threat of “you cannot begin the voting session with less than 367 deputies, if you do, we will appeal to the Constitutional Court” will be the only question in this examination. A large number of veteran lawyers, including former head of the Constitutional Court Sami Selçuk, Bilkent University Professor of Law Ergun Özbudun and Professor Zafer Üskül, dismiss this unsubstantiated claim and rightly defend that the Constitutional Court has no authority to cancel the election. If ANAVATAN leader Erkan Mumcu and DYP leader Mehmet Ağar listen to the CHP and don’t participate in the elections, they will never be able to avoid being called, “the stanchions of CHP.” Adopting a negative attitude toward the Parliament which then reflects to the public would be tantamount to denying themselves. You can come to the Parliament and vote against the candidate. However you have on no condition the right to protest the Parliament.
7. Turkey will catch a stronger wind of democratization and expanding liberties toward the direction of a deeper reconciliation between the state and the people. What I tried to lightheartedly emphasize in my column dated March 30 titled “Sezer’s surprising gesture,” and the scenes we have long yearned for will finally materialize: Imagine that the prime minister, ministers, and even CHP leader Deniz Baykal come together at Çankaya Palace for a dinner with their kith and kin.
Who could hold back that Turkey, rising with love and tolerance?
Benzer Haberler 
