Shakarian: I hope Turkey elections will be considered a step back

The municipal elections in Turkey showed that consideration rather than elections are of importance in that country, Artak Shakarain, an expert on Turkey, told reporters today.

“There have been power cutoffs several times during the publication of the results and a considerable difference in the figures was noticed after such cuts. I don’t know how the West will react to it, but I hope these elections will be considered a step back,” the expert said.

In his words, the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) victory in the municipal elections has inspirited Erdogan.

“In such a mood, Erdogan will start his struggle ahead of the presidential elections. Yet it should be noted that there is a difference between these two elections. During municipal elections people elected Erdogan’s party, whereas now they will elect Erdogan,” Shakarian said.

According to him, the municipal elections have complicated the issue of Turkey’s accession to the European Union because some murders and arrests were reported during the elections.