Problems at the National Unity Party (UBP) congress held to select its parliamentary candidates drew criticism in a written statement from the party's political rivals, which described the events as "a continuation and result" of the mentality seen in the country's governance over the past five years.
The statement said developments at the congress that had become public were being followed "with concern and sadness", stressing that its authors had never sought to profit from the problems of their political rivals. It argued that the weakening of democratic culture within political parties is a problem not only for those parties but for the country's democracy as a whole.
The statement noted that, despite serious disputes at the congress, the UBP leadership had not issued an explanation comprehensively answering questions from members and the public. It also pointed to talk that UBP leader and Prime Minister Ünal Üstel would travel to Ankara before the results were even announced, saying that, if true, this would be incompatible with the respect owed to the will of UBP members.
According to the statement, the country's most fundamental need is an honest, transparent, fair and accountable approach to governance that would allow citizens to trust politics and state institutions again.
The statement concluded by calling on all citizens who have lost faith in politics or feel disappointed, regardless of their past political choices, to stand up for democracy and a shared future, for a fair and honest administration respectful of the people's will and for the sake of their children's future.
