A New Era of Stability
By Gulnur Aybet
6 Aug 2007
In many ways, the landslide victory of the ruling Adalet ve Kalkýnma Partisi (Justice and Development Party) or AKP in the recent Turkish elections, which has secured them a second term in power, was predictable. Given the weakness of the opposition parties, despite their regrouping and a marginal rise in nationalism, it was the AKP’s record of economic stability which was clearly given approval by the majority of Turkish voters. The fact that the percentage of AKP votes rose from 34 per cent in the 2002 elections to over 46 per cent was a clear sign of this endorsement. So, what was so crucial about these elections? The AKP’s victory for a second term constitutes a watershed in Turkish politics because it has shown how the Turkish people express their views on the choice between preserving traditional checks and balances in the Turkish political system on the one hand and economic stability on the other.
6 Aug 2007
In many ways, the landslide victory of the ruling Adalet ve Kalkýnma Partisi (Justice and Development Party) or AKP in the recent Turkish elections, which has secured them a second term in power, was predictable. Given the weakness of the opposition parties, despite their regrouping and a marginal rise in nationalism, it was the AKP’s record of economic stability which was clearly given approval by the majority of Turkish voters. The fact that the percentage of AKP votes rose from 34 per cent in the 2002 elections to over 46 per cent was a clear sign of this endorsement. So, what was so crucial about these elections? The AKP’s victory for a second term constitutes a watershed in Turkish politics because it has shown how the Turkish people express their views on the choice between preserving traditional checks and balances in the Turkish political system on the one hand and economic stability on the other.
You need 4 credits to access this item
If you are a member or registered user, please login
Not already a member and have not yet registered?
Copyright © 2009 RUSI