Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Answering questions from an Anatolia Agency (AA) journalist, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that the Constitutional Court has reviewed the clause as a higher authority and has reached a decision according to the Constitution.

“We are a community of strong traditions,” said Hisarcıklıoğlu and stated that democratic elections are one of the most basic tenets of our traditions.”

Reminding that chamber and exchange presidents take office through elections, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “After profession groups and chamber/exchange councils are elected, the council and board presidents are elected. In other words, it is a multi-layered election process. Anyone can be a candidate for chamber and exchange elections with the person who garners the most votes winning.”

Stating that the Constitutional Court’s decision will not decrease competition but increase it even further, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that the removal of this clause does not prevent the changing of chamber and exchanges presidents.

- “Change will be present, just as it was in the past”

Hisarcıklıoğlu, stating that 57% of chamber and exchange council and board presidents had changed in the 2009 elections, said, “Change will be present, just as it was in the past.”

Drawing attention to the chamber and exchange elections which will be held in February-March, Hisarcıklıoğlu said:

“The Constitutional Court’s decision is a new development for all of us. Businessmen from all over Turkey had made plans to take part in or to refrain from the elections with regards to the cancelled clauses. With the removal of the clauses which prevented running in the elections, a new situation has arisen. Our duty as TOBB President and Board of Directors is to ensure that the elections are held in a democratic manner.”
​