Turkish Presidential Candidate Withdraws Bid; Ruling Party Calls for General Elections and Constitutional Amendment
May 7, 2007 | Printer Friendly

According to BBC News, opposition parties in Turkey have boycotted a second round of elections, blocking ruling party member Abdullah Gul’s ascension to the presidency.  By boycotting the elections, the quorum of 2/3rds of Parliament needed to vote on the presidency was not reached for a second straight round.  Earlier last week the Constitutional Court ruled the first round void because of the boycott.  United Press International reports that Mr. Gul, the only candidate for president, has since relinquished his candidacy. 

A Washington Post report indicates that “Turkish lawmakers moved up (parliamentary) elections to July 22,” calling for the early elections in an attempt to demonstrate the support for their party.  The Washington Post is also reporting that the government is attempting to pass a constitutional amendment that allows for the presidency to be directly elected by the people.  The position is currently voted in by the Parliament.  The amendment would also reduce presidential terms to five years, with general parliamentary elections being held every four and “reducing the number of lawmakers for a quorum to 184” to pass votes on legislation.  According to BBC News, the ruling party has almost gathered the “two-third majority (of lawmakers) needed to amend the constitution.” 

The Washington Post also reports that current Turkish president Ahmet Necdet Sezer “has publicly shared his concerns over the government’s attempts to raise the profile of Islam in daily life in the country.”  President Sezer has a veto power over all legislation, and may exercise it to kill the amendment if it is passed. 

References:

BBC News: Turkish MPs tackle president vote

United Press International: Turkey's Gul Withdraws Presidential Bid

Washington Post: Opposing Turkish Parties Set July Vote

Washington Post: Turkish Gov't Seeks Popular Vote