In the program “120 minutes” Erol Mehmed – leader of the APS list in Kardzhali, and Esra Ibish – second on the party's list in Haskovo, outlined their priorities before the elections and commented on the internal party processes, the election rules and the international situation.
At the beginning of the conversation, Erol Mehmed used the airwaves to send a festive message: “Today is the third day of Ramadan Bayram, let's use the national airwaves to congratulate all Muslims in Bulgaria on the bright holiday, to wish them life and health, peace in the home and family, well-being and mutual respect in society.“
When asked whether the formation is fighting for an independent path or to restore trust in the MRF, he said: “We are a new political project, but we are the successor and bearer of those ideas and values from the 90s. That is, we preserve and still preserve these ideas of the old MRF. I think that a month or so ago the decision of the Sofia City Court was issued and we are running in the elections as a coalition.“ He added that the party will strive to regain its support: “We will fight, of course, to restore the trust of our voters, including in our traditional regions.“
On the topic of why Ahmed Dogan is not leading the party's list in Kardzhali, Mehmed explained: “There was never an option for Mr. Dogan to participate in the elections again.“ And he recalled: “Mr. Dogan gave up active politics back in 2012.“ Regarding Kardzhali as a “bastion“ he commented: “Historians know that a fortress is always taken from within“ and expressed expectations for a strong result: “I hope that we will surprise them and it is the “Alliance for Rights and Freedoms“ that will perhaps be the spring surprise on April 19.“
Esra Ibish answered a question about internal party processes and personnel outflow, and emphasized that there is also a reverse trend: “We should not ignore the fact that there is also a reverse cycle, i.e. there are people who join us from other parties, whether from “New Beginnings“ decide to return.“ She gave an example: “The deputy chairwoman of the municipal structure in Burgas rejoined us with a team of 36 people.“ According to her, the reason lies in values: “We respect all political opponents, we also respect the people who left us and joined other parties. The morality and principles that we stand for as the authentic movement for rights and freedoms cannot be ignored.“
Mehmed added that a “purification process“ is underway in the party: “The DPS experienced a cataclysm… We experienced a first wave… there was a second wave… at the moment we assume that there is a third wave.“ In his words: “A healing process is underway for the new APS party.“
On the topic of the limited number of sections in Turkey, Ibish stated: “This change in the electoral code was absolutely unconstitutional for us and violates all human rights. We are of the opinion that every Bulgarian citizen has the equal right to exercise their right to vote.“ She warned: “This will affect the election results.“ And he added: “We are in constant correspondence with our voters... some of them are of the opinion that they will come to Bulgaria to exercise their right to vote.“
The conversation also touched on foreign policy topics. On the issue of the so-called “Peace Board“ Erol Mehmed pointed out: “Such important decisions should not be hastily considered“ and expressed skepticism: “It should not be a parallel structure and alternative to the UN.“
When asked how Mehmed would vote if the case entered the new parliament, he pointed out: “In any case, a serious analysis will be made. The international situation changes every 24 hours. If the UN had been established after World War II, given all the consequences of the catastrophe in Europe and throughout the world, should we, during a war - now in the Persian Gulf - set out to create a new board that would compete with an internationally established and sustainable world organization?“
“We don't know what would happen. We all see this widespread crisis... We have followed both the reaction of the prime minister and the reaction of the president. None of them, at the moment, of course, with a slight exception, have expressed the most serious statesmanlike arguments about what decision to take“, Mehmed added.
The topic of vote buying was also touched upon. Esra Ibish commented: “We are worried. In a region like Haskovo, we experienced a very difficult campaign. I would like to thank the Bulgarian citizens who have shown us great support“ and noted the actions of the authorities: “The first arrests have been made, 12 in Haskovo, which is a great relief for us for the moment. We hope that the civil signals will continue.“
Erol Mehmed appealed for a fair vote: “The main goal… is to ensure a fair and transparent vote, but above all to preserve this vote for the people.“ He called: “To show the necessary conscience and responsibility and for the vote to be as it is, so that we can congratulate ourselves on a good parliament.“