Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE) election monitoring board announced their preliminary report on the June 24 elections. Underlining unequal conditions for candidates during campaigns, OSCE representatives pointed out the effects of the State of Emergency on the campaign process and that transparency and impartiality were not provided in the elections. The observers further indicated that they have experienced worry of safety in Turkey for the first time.
The report stated that Erdoğan and the Justice and Development Party (AKP) used government resources disproportionately by obtaining unlawful advantage through pro-government public and private media organizations. Freedom of meeting and expression were also indicated to have been restricted under the conditions of State of Emergency. Emphasizing the significant influence of the restrictions on basic rights and freedoms on the elections, OSCE monitoring board coordinator Ignacio Sanchez Amor stated, “We are hoping that such restrictions in Turkey will be revoked as soon as possible.” Indicating that the observers were prevented from examining ballot boxes, Amor criticized the denial of German Leftist Party MP Andrej Hunko and Swedish MP Jaber Karim Amin inside the country border. “It is unacceptable that our two members were prevented from observing the elections based on claims of terrorism,” Amor stated.
26.02.2018
hurriyet.com.tr