Main opposition CHP feels sorrow for UK's Labour

Turkey?s social democrat party has expressed sorrow over the defeat of Labour and its leader, Ed Miliband, in last week?s elections in the United Kingdom, citing the Conservative party?s use of nationalist rhetoric as an important reason of the failure. 

?I felt regret [about the results of the elections],? Kemal K?l?çdaro?lu, leader of the Republican People?s Party (CHP) told the Daily News May 10, who himself is also running for parliamentary elections slated for June 7. 

The elections in the UK have been heavily contemplated by Turkey?s public and political circles, not only because of the Tories? unexpected victory but also because of all three oppositional party leaders? resignations. 

On the defeat of Labour, K?l?çdaro?lu said he was informed that the Conservatives? increased use of nationalist rhetoric in the campaign had caused Labour and Miliband to lose the polls. ?Plus, it seems Labour was not sufficiently ready for the polls,? the CHP chief said, adding that the Scottish National Party (SNP) had divided leftist votes in the United Kingdom. 

Citing how public opinion surveys failed to make reliable estimations in the U.K. polls, K?l?çdaro?lu said he believed that the same inconsistencies will happen in Turkey, but to the advantage of the social democrat party.

When asked about his assessment on Miliband and other leaders? resignation, K?l?çdaro?lu said ?Ethically, political party leaders who get lesser votes than the previous elections should normally quit politics.? The CHP leader said this would also pave the way for the appearance of new figures in politics, underlining that politics should not be based on individuals. 

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