Turkey has invited the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE) to monitor the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Turkey on June 24. The OSCE board launched a report after their first observations in Turkey.
Making observations in Turkey between May 8 and 10, the board wanted to 28 long-term and 350 short-term observers to be present at the elections and for the elections to be observed across the country. The first evaluation of the board pointed out the great changes in the legislation; reminding that previous advice was not followed. It was further underlined that there is a deficiency among the parties in terms of inclusion and reconciliation, especially in the amendments on the Electoral Law and worries were mentioned on the regulations for the election day related to the ‘principle of impartiality.’ The board mentioned worries on the misuse of administrative resources and equal campaign conditions; pointing out the security measures taken due to the State of Emergency might hinder free campaign and therefore reduce the awareness of electors.
The report emphasizes that the media in Turkey is majorly “pro-government” and that an analytical tracking of the elections within will be restricted due to “self-censorship” and the “pressure on journalists.” It was stated that many media organizations have refrained from or reduced their coverage on the candidates of certain parties; with the lack of observation opportunities for election observers despite the legislation.
22.05.2018
cumhuriyet.com.tr