Experts stating that local elections are a scene of serious competition between parties, though not as much as general elections, recommend that political parties and candidates conduct their election campaigns prudently.
Political Scientist Prof. Dr. Havva Kök Arslan, stating that political parties using a language that does not polarize society during the election campaign process will make a significant contribution to social peace, said, “Using a language that is as soft as possible and does not polarize society will make a significant contribution to social peace.”
Prof. Dr. Havva Kök Arslan, Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations (English) at Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, pointed out what needs to be done to prevent potential chaotic situations before local elections.
“Local elections, though not as much as general elections, are a scene of competition”
Prof. Dr. Havva Kök Arslan stated that local elections, though not as much as general elections, are a scene of serious competition between parties, especially in big cities. She added that for parties, winning with their own candidates strengthens their political reputation in the country and consolidates their power, and for opposition parties, it is a field of competition to gain strength in the race for power.
“Local elections contribute to our country's commitment to democratic culture”
Prof. Dr. Havva Kök Arslan, stating that “In such a competitive environment, it is essential for all parties to act in a way that prevents election competition from overshadowing the election,” expressed the following:
“It would be beneficial for all parties to act respectfully towards their voters and their ballot preferences in their own regions, and to advise their voters to act calmly, prudently, and consciously. Similarly, it is of great importance for polling station officials to act with a sense of responsible citizenship and to strive to conduct a transparent process without giving rise to doubt, in order to prevent or minimize possible negative situations. Local elections also contribute to our country's commitment to democratic culture and democratic values.”
“Candidates should conduct their election campaigns prudently”
Prof. Dr. Havva Kök Arslan also recommended that political parties and candidates conduct their election campaigns prudently, stating, “Using a language that is as soft as possible and does not polarize society will make a significant contribution to social peace. The language and general atmosphere used during the election campaign process are essentially more important for social tranquility than on election day itself. However, should negative situations arise, it would still be beneficial for parties to call on their voters to remain calm.”
What is the role and responsibility of social media during election periods?
Prof. Dr. Havva Kök Arslan noted that the role of social media during election periods is as important as that of traditional media, emphasizing, “Just as in traditional media, it is not entirely possible to prevent information pollution on social media. Therefore, it is very important for society not to take seriously any information circulating before or after the election without verifying it. Paying attention to the shares of individuals respected by all segments of society and acting with a sense of responsibility, and remaining calm against shocking or inflammatory shares with unknown sources and foundations, is more important than anything else. Although our society is emotional and warm-hearted, it has known how to maintain its composure at the right time, both in the past and today.”
“Competition is in the nature of politics”
Prof. Dr. Havva Kök Arslan, pointing out the importance of ensuring a transparent process during elections, said, “Competition is in the nature of politics, and as in previous elections, there will be objections at polling stations from time to time during the process. In such situations, everyone acting in accordance with the rules and laws will be able to minimize possible negative consequences. As all citizens, our responsibility is to respect the law, have a calm and peaceful election, and contribute to the people's will being reflected most accurately in the ballot box. This path involves internalizing democratic culture and respecting the voters' will, regardless of its direction in any region.”