Controversy Reigns Upcoming Referendum

Deniz Baykal, chair of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), spoke about the referendum planned for 21 October at a press briefing. He called it a "political scandal".

His main criticism was the fact that people entering and leaving Turkey have been able to vote since 11 September, but that the ruling party is planning to change the content of the text to be voted on.

Another criticism was the fact that the referendum would cost around 200 million YTL (around 120 million Euros).

The referendum is being held to change two temporary articles in the constitution. Changes in the constitution would mean that the president would be elected for five years instead of seven, but would be able to serve two terms in office. Furthermore, the president would not be elected by parliament, but by the people.

11th or 12th? 

There seems to be a lack of clarity in the referendum text, which has led to a debate between Prime Minister Erdogan and Baykal on whether the people would be voting for the 11th or the 12th President, should the constitutional amendment be passed by the referendum. Erdogan said that it would be the 12th, i.e. the next president after Abdullah Gül, while Baykal has called for the 11th President to be voted for by the people.

Changes could be incorporated into new constitution 

Baykal has also pointed out that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is currently working on a draft constitution to replace the one put in place by the military junta in 1982. He has argued that the changes could be incorporated into this draft. This position has been supported by Prof. Dr. Erdogan Tezic, the President of the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK) and a well-known expert on constitutional law.  (GG/AG)