In Turkey, when there is news of corruption in a municipality, we turn and look at the file. We are surprised when an MP leaves his party. We are disappointed when a mayor resigns. But most of the time the issue does not start there.
The issue starts at the nomination stage.
How was a name nominated? By what criteria? Who proposed it? Who approved it? Was that person's background really examined, or was it just “one of us” and passed over?
In recent years, we have witnessed the resignations of mayors, party switches and corruption investigations in both the ruling and opposition parties. It happened in the CHP and in other parties as well. Some were dismissed, some had files opened against them, some left their parties. This picture is not specific to a single party. The problem is deeper.
If the nomination process is not healthy, the results cannot be expected to be healthy.
In theory, there are many methods. There is the primary election. There's the caucus poll. There is central polling. But in practice, the decision is often shaped in a narrow circle. Temayül is asked but not binding. The primary election is limited. The center decides, the list is closed.
There is also the delegate system. If the delegates do not really represent the members, over time a closed power structure is formed. The same names have been determining the lists for years. This is called “delegate aggrandizement” it's called. It is not an exaggeration.
An MP can be elected for seven or eight terms. It is legal. But politics is not strong only by being legal. If there is no renewal, competition weakens. When competition weakens, control decreases.
Recently, there have been allegations that money was discussed during the nomination process. The legal aspect is a separate issue. But even suspicion shows that the system is weak. People naturally ask: Was this seat really taken on merit?
The line between loyalty and merit is decisive here. Loyalty means harmony within the party. Merit means capacity, experience and honesty. When loyalty overrides merit, governance weakens. When merit takes precedence, the system is strengthened.
Corruption in the municipality, rupture in the Assembly, resignations in the party... These are consequences. The cause is often already at the nomination stage.
If we want to purify, the method must change.
Primaries must be real.
The consultation should be binding.
The delegate system should not be closed circuit.
Candidate criteria should be written and clear.
Financial history should be audited.
Because cleaning starts at the beginning, not at the end.
And trust comes back only when you build on merit.