Bahceli warns Erdogan over early elections

If Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan decides to call for early elections, a political split within his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) will ensue, warned opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli yesterday. Speaking to Aksam daily, Bahceli said recent developments had brought Turkey to a crossroads, adding, "In such situations, political parties make the countries' peace and stability their basic priority. But in recent months, the motto 'Everything for Turkey' turned into 'Everything for Erdogan.' Erdogan has to make sacrifices to end this political chaos." Urging Erdogan to return Turkey to normalcy, Bahceli added, "As the ruling party leader, Erdogan firstly has the important mission of easing the recent tension in the country until the case seeking the AKP's closure is concluded, but this polarization has another side, namely the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). The CHP must shake free of its shallow, tension-raising political style." Bahceli also said President Abdullah Gul must keep open the door to social and political dialogue to turn this tense atmosphere into one of peace and tolerance.