Turkey Votes in Key Constitutional Referendum

Turkish citizens have begun voting in a key referendum on whether to adopt a presidential system with extended executive powers.

The constitutional changes proposed in Sunday’s vote seek to transform Turkey’s governance from a parliamentary system to an executive presidency, significantly expanding the powers of the top office.

People started casting their ballots in eastern Turkey at 7am (04:00 GMT), while voting in the rest of the country started at 8am (05:00 GMT). Polls will close at 4pm (13:00 GMT) in the east and 5pm (14:00 GMT) elsewhere. Unofficial results are expected later on Sunday.

A “Yes” vote in the referendum will give the president new powers to assign ministers, high-level state officials and vice-presidents, as well as half the members in the country’s highest judicial body. It will also allow the president to dissolve parliament, and issue executive decrees and state of emergencies.

The changes are backed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) founded by him, and the leadership of the far-right Nationalist Action Party (MHP), whose parliamentary support was vital to take the amendments to a public vote.

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), the pro-Kurdish People’s Democracy Party (HDP) and other critics argue that the amendments will give too much power to one individual, undermining the separation of powers in the government.