Main opposition CHP deputy head, spokesperson Böke resigns

Selin Sayek Böke, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) spokesperson and deputy head responsible for the economy, announced her resignation from her duties on May 6, citing the lack of a political fight within the party against the April 16 referendum results.

In her resignation statement, Böke said conceding the April 16 referendum results, which she described as having been "usurped through illegal means," was an injustice to millions of people who voted against the amendments to shift the country's governance system to an executive presidency with greatly enhanced powers for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

"As a politician who believes in participatory democracy and the universal principles of social democracy, I do not find the mentality of the current administration acceptable at this point. For that reason, I am resigning from my posts of deputy chair and party spokesperson," Böke said while noting that she would continue to fulfill her functions as a party assembly member and deputy.

She also said the party had failed to take necessary steps in a determined and clear way in the aftermath of the referendum.

According to Böke, the party adopted a manner that led to criticisms over its intra-party democracy and organizational structure instead of "strengthening the voice of millions of people" who disapproved of the changes.

Voters went to the polls on April 16 to decide whether to approve changes to the country's constitution, including a shift from the parliamentary system to an executive presidency.    
 
According to official results by the Supreme Election Board (YSK), the "yes" campaign won with 51.41 percent, while the "no" vote stood at 48.59 percent.

The party immediately...