Party reforms ahead of 2019 elections on AK Party agenda

PRESIDENT and Justice and Development Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, referring to his party’s vision and mission, said that the AK Party is a reformist party that knows how to update its structure in the face of developments.

Speaking to the AK Party deputies in a meeting on rejuvenation and alteration, Erdoğan said on Nov. 9 that the AK Party is a reformist party that can adapt itself to developments without wandering from national and moral values. Erdoğan explained the ruling party’s perspective, saying: “I underline that the AK Party is a party that makes reforms, alters its structure and de- velops itself. ... It is not a status quo party.” Erdoğan said the AK Party should update itself according to developments and be a party that faces challenges by upgrading its structure.

Erdoğan mentioned the ruling party’s actions, saying the AK Party has taken innovative steps in fields other political parties have never dared to be involved. “The AK Party has a frame-breaking and reformist approach,” he said. Erdoğan added that the AK Party would keep on taking courageous steps in the future and update itself without losing its national and moral values. He also warned deputies to avoid describing the AK Party as a conservative party and to avoid sloganeering.

Announcing the AK Party’s vision for the future, Erdoğan said that deputies and AK Party organizations should do their utmost to win the 2019 elections: “We should make it clear what we are aiming at. The AK Party aims to get 50 plus 1 percent of the votes in the 2019 municipal elections as the same percentage of votes is also required in the presidential elections.” He urged deputies to publicize efforts and actions, adding that deputies should not hesitate to talk about actions, saying that the AK Party is based on actions not talk.

Erdoğan said that the AK Party should not stop fighting the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) and should not show them any mercy. He slammed some circles for backing FETÖ. Drawing attention to the youth vote, Erdoğan underlined that the youth vote has great importance for the party, indicating that it should sustain youth voting for the AK Party.

Consulting deputies at AK Party headquarters, Erdoğan added that those who resigned will be included in inner party work and play a role in the AK Party and its future, but will not run for office again.