Mehmet Rüştü Tiryaki, the Election Follow-up Coordination Centre Spokesperson and Supreme Election Board (YSK) representative of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), held several press conferences at the HDP Headquarters throughout the day to discuss the Turkey’s ongoing elections.
In his latest press conference, Tiryaki emphasised the importance of the second stage of the elections, which involves the counting and transcription of votes. “We have assigned more than a hundred thousand observers, school supervisors, persons authorised to object and lawyers across the country,” he said.
He urged all HDP supporters to stay at the polling stations accompanying the counting and transcription of the votes until they receive the properly signed ballot result report. “Let this be their first priority. Unless there is an extraordinary situation, they should not leave the polling station,” he added.
Tiryaki also addressed concerns about the security of the ballot boxes and counting procedures. “As we ensure the security of the ballot boxes, we will also ensure the security of the counting and transcription of the votes,” he said.
The HDP has been running under the lists of the Green Left Party due to an outstanding case in the courts calling for closure of the HDP.
Tiryaki urged HDP supporters not to believe the government’s manipulations and to wait for statements from the opposition. “The Anadolu Agency seems to be the only source of information. However, we know that Anadolu Agency does not collect information in the field, it receives all its information from the ruling partners,” he said, referring to the ruling coalition of the Justice and Development Party and the Nationalist Movement Party.
Tiryaki called on all citizens to use common sense to protect the ballot boxes and the procedures in the district electoral boards. “Tomorrow we will celebrate the festival of democracy together,” he added.
Regarding violations in some regions, Tiryaki said that the party have made applications to the district election boards and the public prosecutor’s offices. “Rest assured, it is not possible for this to happen anywhere that our electoral officers and observers are present,” he said. “I hope the gathering of the count will be carried out without problems, and tomorrow we will celebrate the festival of democracy together,” he said.
