Diyarbakir deputy Garo Paylan once again brought to the agenda of the Grand National Assembly the issue of the long-pending elections of the supply bodies of minority foundations. This was reported by Istanbul’s “Zhamanak”.
He recalled the recent statement made by President Erdogan, according to which the regulation concerning the formation and election of the administrative boards of non-Islamic community foundations is to be reshaped. Deputy Garo Paylan pointed out that despite this statement, no step has yet been taken in this direction. The General Directorate of Foundations has also caused disappointment, responding to the election demand made by certain foundations by once again pointing to the circular published in 2019, according to which the administrative boards of minority foundations are filled with appointed members. As a result of the deletion of the regulation on 19 January 2013, minority communities have been unable to hold elections for more than eight years.
In light of all this, Garo Paylan brought a series of questions to the agenda, demanding a response from Vice President Fuat Oktay. The opposition deputy asked why, while the authorities point to the ballot box at every opportunity, they have for eight years been obstructing elections for minority communities.
On the basis of Article 98 of the Constitution and Articles 96 and 99 of the Parliament’s internal rules of procedure, Garo Paylan demanded a written response from Fuat Oktay on this matter. He stressed that under the current situation, both the electoral rights of minorities are being disregarded and their foundations are not being governed effectively. Despite repeated promises, why is permission not being granted for elections of minority foundations? Garo Paylan particularly asked when, in the end, these elections will take place.
