Addressing citizens following the March 31 local elections, Erdoğan said: “March 31 is a turning point, not an end for us. The Turkish nation has conveyed its messages to politicians by means of ballot boxes in the March 31 Local Administrations Elections. Regardless of the results, the winner of this election is our democracy, the national will.”

Drawing attention to the enthusiasm of those welcoming him, Erdoğan thanked the audience for their support and sent his greetings to each and every one of the 85 million citizens.

Wishing Ramadan Mubarak to the Turkish nation and all the Muslims in the world, Erdoğan prayed for Allah’s help to the Gazans, who are spending the holy month of Ramadan under bombs.

Stressing that the March 31 municipal elections have been completed with a democratic maturity that befits democracy, Erdoğan noted that except for a few isolated cases, no unpleasant incident has taken place to cast a shadow over the election atmosphere.

“March 31 is a turning point, not an end for us”

Describing elections as the most critical days of democracy, Erdoğan said: “The nation’s will exhibits itself in ballot boxes. The nation speaks through ballot boxes. The nation conveys its messages to politicians by means of ballot boxes. It is a major gain for our democracy that the nation’s decision has manifested itself in ballot boxes without facing any pressure or imposition. We will stand firm without getting stubborn. March 31 is a turning point, not an end for us. The Turkish nation has once again conveyed its messages to politicians by means of ballot boxes in the March 31 Local Administrations Elections. Regardless of the results, the winner of this election is our democracy, the national will, the entire 85 million irrespective of their political views.”

Offering his sincere gratitude to anyone who freely displayed their will at ballot boxes regardless of the political party they support, Erdoğan thanked the election committees and officials as well as the security personnel who executed their duties with a high sense of responsibility during the municipal elections.

Noting that the March 31 elections are the 18th election they have taken part in over the past 22 years and that they have always become successful, Erdoğan, however, added that they unfortunately couldn’t obtain the results they hoped for in the March 31 elections, which were held nine months after the victory obtained in the May 14-28 elections.

“We recognize no power above the nation’s august will”

Expressing his wish for the election results to be auspicious for the country and the people, President Erdoğan underlined that they have always walked with the nation in the direction drawn by the nation and that they have always stood by democracy and the national will throughout their political lives.

Adding that they still act with the same sense of responsibility today as well, Erdoğan underlined that they recognize no power above the nation’s august will.

Erdoğan said: “We have never avoided cherishing, respecting, accepting, and obeying the nation’s will so far. Today as well, I separately congratulate mayors of metropolitan municipalities; mayors of provinces, districts and towns; members of municipal councils; members of provincial councils; mukhtars; and associates; who have been elected by our nation. I wholeheartedly believe that they will endeavor to fulfill the demands of the cities they represent without complacency during their stints. As the government, we, on our part, will continue to support the local administrators, elected by the public, in the works they will carry out for the benefit of the people. Ballot boxes have been sealed, with the nation saying its last words and making its decision. The Supreme Election Board will announce the final results in a couple of days. Every political party will of course analyze the election results. Likewise, our party will also openheartedly assess the results of the March 31 elections and engage in a courageous self-criticism.”

“The election chapter has been closed as of now”

Pointing out that the presidential and municipal elections marathon, which kicked off nearly a year ago, has been concluded as of today, Erdoğan stated: “It is an important achievement by itself that the election chapter, which has strained our country, nation and economy for a year, has been closed as of now. There is now an invaluable period of more than four years ahead of Türkiye. We need to make the best of this period. We cannot waste this period with disputes that would steal away the nation’s time.”

Stressing that they are well aware of their responsibilities both in the government and the local administrations as a political party that has finished its 21st year in power, President Erdoğan underscored that from now on they will focus more on the urgent issues on the country’s agenda, particularly the revival of the quake-hit region and the resolution of the problems in economy, and added: “I once again wish the results of the March 31 Local Administrations Elections to be auspicious for our country and nation.” (ILKHA)