Turks OK vast new presidential powers
Foes seek recount after narrow vote
ISTANBUL - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed a “historic” victory Sunday in a tightly contested national referendum that would radically change his country’s system of government and give the president vast, new powers.
With 99 percent of the ballots counted, Erdogan’s referendum had 51.4 percent “yes” votes, Turkey’s Anadolu news agency reported. Car horns honked and Turks waved flags and rallied in the streets after Erdogan declared victory, but opposition parties alleged voting irregularities and sought a recount.
The United States and the West viewed the proposal as a turn away from Turkey’s secular democracy and toward a religious-based, authoritarian regime in the overwhelmingly Muslim nation of about 80 million people. Turkey is a NATO member and crucial partner in the international effort to crush the Islamic State.
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, a member of Erdogan’s AK (Justice and Development) Party, announced the unofficial tally.
“We are one nation, Turkey opening a new page in its democratic history,” said Yildirim, whose job would be eliminated if the results withstand appeal.
The referendum would allow Erdogan to tighten his political grip and remain in power until 2029. Erdogan could also issue decrees without legislative approval, appoint his own cabinet and most federal judges and have the authority to declare a state of emergency and dissolve parliament.
His supporters said the changes are necessary to give the president the political power and stability to confront security challenges. Turkey has seen more than 20 terror attacks in the past two years. They also said the current constitution, written by military leaders following a 1989 coup, is outdated.
“We’re so happy to see this win,” said Mehmet Can in Istanbul. “Erdogan will lead this nation to success.”
Still, opponents call it the end of democracy in the country. Since July’s unsuccessful coup attempt, the government has detained or suspended more than 140,000 academic, military and civil servants accused of taking part in overthrowing the government.