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            As you know, general elections will be held in Turkey on the 22nd of July. It is not possible for me to make a guess at the moment about the outcome. However, I believe that the process of elections will have both positive and negative impacts on us. In other words, I am concerned not about the outcome but about the process. You might consider the present article as a warning for tourism operators.

            A considerable portion of the income in Fethiye is incurred through tourism.So far as we can see from the tourist profile here, in addition to British and German tourists, we also get a mass of Turkish tourists which is growing every year. The elections on the 22nd of July coincides with the height of the season. In addition, this is the period which the Turkish tourists favour most. On the basis of the election system in Turkey, you vote whichever city you are registered in and thus have a say about the outcome of that particular city. For example, if a person is registered as a resident of Istanbul and has his registration transferred to Fethiye because he is on holiday here and votes here, it will influence the result of elections in the city of Mugla and not that of where he lives—i.e. Istanbul. Therefore, the general trend is for everyone voting where he lives permanently and not where he is on holıday. Based on this, in my opinion, a majority of the Turkish tourisitis will abstain from going on holiday during the week of the 22nd of July which will have a negative impact on hoteliers and other tourism operators.

            I also believe that not only the Turkish tourists, but those coming here from other cities to work during the tourism season will go to their permanent residences on, before and after the election day. This in turn will have a negative effect on services provided at the establishments they are employed in. Very well, what about those who come here for holidays from other countries? At least some may choose to come here on another date in order to avoid the high tension during the elections or, if they have to go on holidays on those dates, choose other destinations. An alternative holiday resort may be chosen instead of Turkey. Frankly speaking, a relative decrease may be observed at the Dalaman Airport  during the week of the 22nd of July, which I consider as normal.

            What I have writted above are the negative impacts of the election process. I guess there is nothing we can do about it. I define this period solely as “as a serene week”.

            There will also be pleasant events  during the process of elections. Ever since the date was established for general elections, politicians started to be more involved with the public. They will lend an ear to our problems and make promises for solutions. In other words, they will be nice to us until they get our votes.

            I have no doubt that local administrations will also be more activated due to elections. As for me, we now have an opportunity for the remedy of some of the shortcomings in our town. Everyone may be quite sure that many of the half finished tasks of the municipality and other government organizations will be fulfilled until the elections. For example, the road on the coastline, which is going on quite slowly may be sped up and completed. We may notice that the roads at the Tuzla district, which are full of holes, are renovated and pavements are laid on. In addition, if the work on cleaning and landscaping at the Çalış Beach and its environs is carried out and the parks and gardens are decorated with flowers, we shall achieve a renovated Fethiye until the elections. This is our golden opportunity…