Turkey On Vote For Constitutional Referendum

Turkey On Vote For Constitutional Referendum – Turkey prepares for tight vote that could strengthen Erdoğan’s grip on power.

Millions of Turks will head to the polls on Sunday to vote in a tight referendum race that could transform the country into a presidential republic, in what could be one of the most significant developments in the nation’s history since its founding after the collapse of the Ottoman empire.

The vote will cap two months of campaigning that has further polarised a divided country still reeling from a coup attempt in which 265 people were killed and hundreds injured, frequent terror attacks and the impact of the ongoing civil war in neighbouring Syria.

The run-up to the vote has been marred by divisive rhetoric and accusations on both sides that have amplified the splits within society. Supporters of the government have equated those who will vote no on the constitutional amendments with terrorist groups, and opposition campaigners have accused those who will vote yes of abetting fascism and dictatorship.

The campaign has refocused attention on government abuses in the aftermath of the coup, including a purge that has gone far beyond those who backed the putsch to target those who oppose the policies of the country’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Tens of thousands of academics, judges, law enforcement and military officers have been dismissed, and top opposition politicians and dozens of journalists have been arrested in the months leading up to the referendum.

Those taking part in Sunday’s referendum will vote yes or no to a series of constitutional amendments that will transform the country from a parliamentary democracy to a president-led republic. The new system would also allow Erdoğan to run for two more election terms, potentially ruling as a powerful executive until 2029….Read more.