Investigation Against Polling Clerks in Kartal and Kadıköy in İstanbul

* Photograph: Binnur Ege Gürün - Ankara / AA

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An investigation has been launched against the people who were polling clerks in Kadıköy and Kartal in İstanbul in local elections on the allegation that they committed irregularities in counting and documenting votes.

Upon the criminal complaints submitted in relation with these allegations, the İstanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation against the polling clerks yesterday (April 9).

While it is alleged that the polling clerks in Kartal committed an irregularity while entering the combined voter minutes into the system of the Supreme Election Council (YSK), the clerks in Kadıköy allegedly engaged in an irregularity in counting the votes.

The polling clerks face charges of "professional misconduct" and "falsifying election results" as per the Article 164 of the Law on Elections.

Prosecutor's Office demanded minutes

In Kartal, a presiding polling clerk filed a complaint at the İstanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, alleging that the clerks did an irregularity while entering the combined voter minutes into the system of the YSK.

As for Kadıköy, the investigation has been launched upon the complaint of a Justice and Development Party (AKP) District Executive Board member.

Upon these allegations, the Prosecutor's Office has demanded the identifying information and vote counting minutes from the District Electoral Council Directorates and people who entered data into the system of YSK.

Election results in Kartal

In Kartal, Gökhan Yüksel, the candidate of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), has received 51.17 percent of votes while the candidate of the ruling AKP, Ebubekir Taşyürek, has received 46.22 percent.

Gökhan Yüksel, the youngest mayor of İstanbul, received his certificate of election five days ago.

Election results in Kadıköy

In March 31 Local Elections, Şerdil Dara Odabaşı, the candidate of the CHP, has received 65.99 percent of votes while Özgül Özkan Yavuz, the candidate of the AKP, has received 19.54 percent. (AS/SD)