ANKARA - "The secular republic in Turkey, the only model among Islam countries, is under threat," Deniz Baykal, the chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP), said on Monday.
"We will not be present at the General Assembly hall during the presidential elections in order not to undertake any responsibilities in this process," he stated during the meeting of his party at the parliament held behind closed doors.
According to sources, Baykal claimed that Abdullah Gul, a presidential candidate from the ruling Justice & Development (AK) Party is not a president who can unite Turkey.
The same sources quoted Baykal as saying that they will respect the result of the presidential election, and try to prevent the new president from creating a negative atmosphere.
Criticizing Gul and giving examples from his former remarks and behaviors, Baykal said that moderate Islam process goes on, and this change will be speeded up after presidential election. "We see it a threat against the Republic," he argued.
Baykal said that their main concern is the safeguard of democracy, and they are a party that believes in Constitution, laws and national sovereignty.
CHP chairman Baykal added that CHP protects secularism in order to strengthen the Republic and democracy.