New gov't swiftly calls on opposition for making brand new constitution

Creating a brand-new constitution will be one of the foremost tasks of the new government following the Nov. 1 polls, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) has said.
The AKP's call, made by party spokesman Ömer Çelik following a Central Executive Board (MYK) meeting chaired by PM Ahmet Davuto?lu late Nov. 2, found conditional support from the Republican People's Party (CHP), which has clear reservations about a presidential system - a stated goal of the AKP.

"A new constitution is the first item of the basic policies which the AK Parti promised to Turkey. The AK Parti's promise for a new constitution is its freshest and strongest commitment. This is ongoing," Çelik told reporters at a press conference following the MYK meeting, using another abbreviation for the party.

"Every time, our nation is giving this instruction to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. It says: 'Make a new constitution.'" Çelik said. "We are open to all calls from the political parties for all kinds of support, cooperation, building mechanisms and the development of mutual dialogue. From here, we are making a call again: Come, let's make a civilian constitution that will carry Turkey to 2023."

The first response to Çelik's call came from CHP Secretary-General Gürsel Tekin on Nov. 3.

"If Mr. Davuto?lu has an appeal for a new constitution in Turkey, as the CHP, we would of course lend support until the end," Tekin said at a press conference following their party's MYK meeting chaired by their leader, Kemal K?l?çdaro?lu.

"During the previous endeavor for a constitution, 61 articles were adopted and the CHP offered its contribution. Our party chair told then-Prime Minister [Recep Tayyip] Erdo?an to bring the 60 articles to a vote. But...