Main opposition CHP MP submits bill to ban newly become citizens from voting in upcoming elections

Duvar English

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputy Mahmut Tanal has submitted a draft law to the Parliament, demanding that foreigners who have recently acquired Turkish citizenship should not be able to vote in the elections scheduled for June 2023.

Tanal said that his draft law aims to prevent violations with regards to the right to vote and stand for election.

“One of the conditions of being able to vote is citizenship. Since elections represent national sovereignty, a symbol of democratic order, it needs to be recognized to only citizens. It is important for the security of our nation that the relevant right to vote is used by only our citizens,” he said.

He further said that those who are “forced to leave their countries, are unable to go back to the country they left, those coming to or crossing over the borders with the aim of finding immediate and temporary protection and foreigners under temporary protection are also able to gain Turkish citizenship.”

"To ensure democracy and national sovereignty, the loyalty of foreigners in our country needs to increase, and the feeling of citizenship needs to be deepened and embraced. In the elections that will be held in our country, democratic order can be ensured with the reflection of the real will of the Turkish nation.”