Turkey's election body allows ministers to run for parliament without resignation

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The Supreme Electoral Council (YSK) has ruled that ministers running for parliament do not have to resign from their positions.

The opposition argued that ministers, like other public officials, should step down before running for office, and requested that the YSK reject the candidacy of non-resigning ministers.

However, the YSK rejected the opposition's request, stating that ministers have a different appointment process and take an oath in parliament, making them ineligible to be considered as public officials.

Sixteen out of 19 cabinet ministers, including Vice President Fuat Oktay, are running as parliamentary candidates for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

However, opposition parties have criticized the ministers for allegedly using the resources of their respective ministries for their election campaigns. The opposition claims that this gives the ruling party an unfair advantage in the elections.

Turkey will hold dual presidential and parliamentary elections on May 14. (VK)