The board assigned from the Council of Europe Local and Regional Administrations Congress to monitor the local elections in Turkey shared their first evaluation on the local elections. The board, consisting of 22 observers from 20 countries, separated into ten different groups and monitored the elections in provinces like Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Diyarbakır. Board Chairman Andrew Dawson indicated that the 84 percent participation rate in the election is an indicator for a healthy democratic interest, whereas stated, “We are not convinced that Turkey has the election environment that is independent and fair as required for democratic elections in accordance with European principles and values.” The statement pointed out that electoral campaigns and equal taking place of parties in the Turkish media; as well as criticisms against judicial developments concerning press freedom and freedom of expression.
02.04.2019
bianet.org