Taçoy: UBP’s 23rd Ordinary Congress Will Go Down in History as a Lesson

Taçoy, who was a candidate for the party leadership, emphasized in a written statement that the congress was fundamentally flawed from the start. He underscored the importance of procedure in law, saying, “In law, there is a basic principle: procedure precedes substance. The way a process is carried out is more important than the outcome.”

He argued that everyone knows what happened at the congress, accusing the state and the party of using all resources to back a single candidate. “This is the essence and summary of the congress,” Taçoy said, claiming that every means was deemed acceptable to secure victory.

Taçoy further criticized the congress, saying, “No party member who attended the event can claim that it was conducted properly, according to the rules, and in a civilized manner. The congress unfolded in such a way that it has left deep wounds in both the future of our country and our democracy.”

Despite the adverse conditions, Taçoy thanked all members who attended the congress to defend their democratic rights and support the party. He reiterated his belief that the congress started and ended in violation of democracy and rules.

He added, “In any election, there will be winners and losers. But first, the organization should have been conducted in a proper and respectful manner, and members who came to vote should have been treated with the respect they deserved."

Taçoy accused the organizers of trying to cover up all the chaos by involving party members, claiming that members were used as a "cover" to legitimize the irregularities. He alleged that UBP members were made to wait outside for hours, subjected to insults and threats by so-called security personnel, and many members chose to leave without casting their votes due to the chaos.

Reflecting on the chaos during the voting process, Taçoy said, “The purpose behind the chaos became clearer when stacks of discarded votes were found in the ballot boxes. The assembly, determined by the current administration, ignored objections and refrained from addressing blatant violations.”

“Chaos Over Order, Confusion Over Rules”

Taçoy expressed disappointment at the situation, saying, “Instead of order, chaos ruled. Instead of rules, confusion prevailed, driven by a desire for power. This is where our democracy has been brought, and it’s both regrettable and a cautionary tale.”

He claimed that similar irregularities were observed during the counting of votes for the party council following the leadership election. Taçoy accused those responsible of trampling on democracy and declared that the burden of this failure should not be placed on the honorable members of UBP, who, he said, are the true patriots of the country.

Speaking personally, Taçoy expressed gratitude, stating, “I thank God that I can hold my head high and look my fellow UBP members in the eye with honor. I am proud to be a part of this great family.”

Concluding his statement, Taçoy expressed hope that those responsible would realize that this process would harm not only UBP but also the state and the people. He vowed to overcome every challenge for the sake of the party, state, and nation.

“We Will Seek Justice for Everyone”

“To reach our goal, we will never be afraid to speak the truth, and we will always continue to defend what is right,” Taçoy said, stressing that justice must be sought not only for oneself but for everyone. He expressed gratitude and respect to the UBP members and fellow MPs who supported him throughout the process.