Turkish PM could run as independent even if banned

The YSK Chairman Muammer Aydin told pro-AKP Star daily that in the 69th Article of the Constitution a person who had been banned from politics cannot be a founder, member, executive or supervisor of a political party, so that in the law, there is nothing barring this individual from running as an independent candidate.

"It is legally possible for Prime Minister Erdogan and his colleagues in the party to enter parliament as an independent. If at least 28 MPs are banned from politics, then early elections must be called within 90 days," Aydin was quoted as saying by Star on Friday. He added in such case the early general elections and local elections, set for March 29, 2009, would be merged. Â

Turkey's chief prosecutor filed a closure case against the Islamist-rooted AKP, claiming the ruling party had become the "focal point of anti-secular activities." The prosecutor also demanded 71 officials, including Erdogan and President Abdullah Gul, to be banned from politics for five years.

Aydin told Star that Gul also could continue his duty as a president even if he is banned. "There is no legal barrier on that. He will continue his duty. The (ban) would be implemented once (Gul's) presidency completed," he said when asked about Gul's situation if he is also banned.