MHP denies negotiating with AK Party over coalition

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which has narrowed down the options of a coalition as it does not lean toward either a partnership with the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) or a coalition involving the Republican People's Party (CHP) or Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), late on Wednesday refuted reports that it was carrying out unofficial talks with the AK Party. Media reported on Wednesday that the MHP was finally coming to terms with the AK Party and was carrying out talks behind closed doors during which it demanded certain ministries as a condition for a coalition government. The reports came as a surprise to many as the MHP has been maintaining a rigid stance on siding with the AK Party or the HDP, which they equate with the outlawed PKK, since the election results became clear. The MHP's stance was thought to have softened after the allegations that the AK Party and the MHP were negotiating secretly. However, the chairman of the MHP, Devlet Bahçeli, said they have not come together to make a deal regarding a government. Bahçeli's unchanging stance does not leave many options available. It does not favor a coalition with the CHP with the HDP in it. But without the HDP, the MHP and CHP do not have sufficient seats to form a coalition government. Bahçeli also ruled out minority government options and on the night of the elections he said they would be eager to be the opposition to a government formed between the others. Time has yet to show whether the AK Party will be able to find a coalition partner other than the MHP, but it is not incorrect to say that the MHP seems to be obstructing the process with its firm stance, and early elections could soon be on the table. The leaders of the other parties have been considering early elections as a setback to democracy and should only be a last resort.