Üstel rejects calls to change UBP candidate rankings

In a written statement following the October 24 ballot, Mr Üstel described the contest as the most transparent and orderly in the party’s history. A total of 8,929 members voted to select and rank candidates for the forthcoming general election.

“The will of our members is binding on all of us, whether we get the result we want or not,” he said.

Mr Üstel said he had personally heard objections submitted to the committee overseeing the vote and reviewed the concerns raised.

He acknowledged the disappointment of unsuccessful candidates, noting that 80 people, including candidates nominated by the leadership, had been competing for places on a 50-person list.

Responding to announcements by some MPs that they would withdraw their candidacies, Mr Üstel said standing or withdrawing was a personal decision. However, he accused some critics of attacking the party because they were unhappy with their results or positions.

“Everyone has the right to object, and every objection is assessed. But nobody has the right to disregard the will of thousands of our members because of their own result,” he said.

Mr Üstel urged members to unite and focus on explaining the party’s policies to voters, adding: “None of our personal political ambitions is above the UBP.”