Here in the US, the loser calls the winner to concede the election and offer congratulations on a campaign well run, as soon as the results become quite obvious.
Contrary to the civility shown here even after heated debates and sometimes a nasty campaign process, the situation in Turkey is quite the opposite. It was the winner who placed phone calls to offer condolences to the losers yesterday. Something I am sure he didn't have to do especially when such things are not accustomed.
Speaking of losers, Mr. Baykal made it clear that he will not step down from party leadership. I guess he's not afraid to show his face in public even after the huge embarrassment he caused himself and his followers. In 'civil' countries, the loser of an election, sometimes with a lesser margin of defeat, blames himself for the party's losses and clears the way for new leadership, all for the sake of his party and his country. Obviously this is not the case with Mr. Baykal.
But isn't it better to leave while still on the bottom versus a forced eviction which might be in the works by the opposition within his own party. How low can Mr. Baykal go? Even his party's faithful have made it clear that Baykal cost them the election. Even if it wasn't Baykal who lost the elections. It was Erdogan and AKP who won!
But if Baykal and the 'secularists,' as well as the 'generals' continue to make noise, especially as sore losers, by using the same old tactics of yesteryear, it will be AKP and Erdogan who will benefit even more!
It should be quite obvious to Baykal that he must step down in order to breathe new life into his party. But he must do it very quick before the body gives in, and resuscitation attempts reach their expiration.
Come on 'sore loser!' Just do it!
By the way, congrats to the Kurdish-Turks who won seats in the parliament!
