Amid ongoing debates over constitutional amendment packages, sources from the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) have stated that they have defined their position regarding the Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) constitution proposal after intra-party discussions.
The MHP sources said they do not have any prejudgement regarding the names of the system such as an executive presidency or semi presidency. MHP sources stated that when the AK Party shares their proposal they will focus on its details and check the proposal as to whether it meets with their expectation and party principles. In the new constitutional amendment package the MHP will be in favor of maintaining the unitary state and wants to limit the president's authority to issue executive orders.
According to the AK Party proposal, when the president considers the renewal of the parliamentary elections necessary, the presidential election will also be renewed on the same date. However, the MHP has an objection to having both the parliamentary and presidential elections on the same date due to their concern about the differences between a parliamentary and presidential election.
Party sources also indicated that the MHP would also like to restructure the judicial system. In particular the MHP wants to reduce the number of people who are appointed by the president to high judicial institutions such as the Supreme Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK), the Constitutional Court (AYM), Supreme Court and Council of State. Instead the MHP is considering proposing the establishment of an independent council to select members of the high courts.
AK Party to propose substitute deputyship
The ruling AK Party is considering bringing substitute deputyship into the Turkish parliamentary system with its new constitution proposal. According to the AK Party's proposition all ministers should be chosen among non-parliamentarian figures. Moreover, if one parliamentarian is appointed as minister, his or her deputyship will end automatically, the proposals suggest. Therefore, the AK Party suggests that deputy candidates who were not elected will be able to become reserve MPs. Parties will also be able to prepare a list of reserve MP candidates. When a seat is emptied for any reason, one of the reserves will fill the seat.
Sources indicated that the AK Party is also working on a solution to bypass European Union protocols about the death penalty, as it might be re-implemented. In order to enforce the death penalty, the Turkish Penal Code will see a change after constitutional reforms. As this regulation will contradict with EU protocols, EU protocols will supersede the regulation, according to constitutional provisions. The AK Party is now scrutinizing the protocols to determine whether loopholes exist and whether Turkey may re-implement the death penalty without resigning from the said protocols.
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