Representatives of MGERB were observers during the parliamentary elections in Turkey

01/07/2011

At the invitation of the youth organization of the governing Justice and Development Party (AK Parti), between 3 - 30 June 2011, representatives of MGERB monitored the election process in Turkey. Youth initiative, passed under the title "Election Exchange" and organized in Istanbul, Turkey, was the first of its kind, as the organizers declared their expectation to make it a tradition. The first edition "Election Exchange 2011" was attended by around 100 young people from 45 countries, including two representatives of MGERB - Marin Zahariev, member of the district executive council of MGERB Smolyan and municipal organizational secretary of GERB Smolyan and Lyubomir Stefanov - Member of MGERB Targovishte and member of the municipal executive body of GERB Targovishte.

Main focus of the event was the election campaign of the ruling party. From 3 to 12 June MGERB representatives took an active role in various meetings, discussions, lectures, as well as numerous media appearances, part of the campaign. During the visit, they had meeting with the leaders of the Party of Justice and Development in Istanbul, as well as the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister of Turkey, the mayor of Istanbul, and with mayors of other districts in the city and popular party members.

During the event participants were divided into groups that visited different areas of the city, with a view to monitor the election campaign, to see the candidates’ approach and people’s attitude toward the election process. Several days before the election, the young people participated in simulation games, based on what they had seen during the campaign, while at the same time they had to show their own communication skills, debating and conducting election meetings and discussions. Significant advantage during the simulation games for the Bulgarian representatives was their participation in the Political academy of MGERB and different regional trainings.

On the Election Day, the youth representatives visited several polling stations as observers, and after that they watched the announcement of interim and final results at the headquarters of the Party of Justice and Development in Istanbul.