Turkey Votes in Divisive Referendum

Polls have closed across Turkey on a referendum to turn the country from a parliamentary system into a powerful executive presidency. The result of the vote — dubbed as the most important in the history of the 84-year-old republic — was expected to be announced later Sunday.

The referendum has divided the nation, with both supporters and opponents arguing the future of the country is at stake. In the Kadikoy district of Istanbul, voting has been brisk since the opening of the polling stations.

“I voted no,” one man said.“There is no such constitution in the world like the one they present to us. It is not republic, it is not democracy, it is nothing. All the power is united in one person. Let’s assume this president is a good person but what about the next one? Anyone can use this power in a very bad way.”

The Istanbul Kadikoy district is a traditional stronghold of opponents of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been in the forefront of campaigning for the change. “I voted for our future. I don’t want a one-man regime,” another woman said. “Whether it is functioning well or not, we at least have a separate legislative, judiciary and executive powers. I want this system to continue.”

But there are those who agree on the need for constitutional change. “I voted Yes, yes! For the benefit to my country,” one voter said.

Erdogan insists the reforms will create a fast and efficient system of governance that will allow Turkey to face the challenges of fighting terror and the slowing economy.

Erdogan cast his vote late in the morning, amid heavy security including police snipers on surrounding buildings in Istanbul’s Uskudar district. Speaking to reporters, he saidhe expected a high turn out in support of the referendum. “I believe that our people will decide for a faster development and even a leap forward. I believe that my people will walk toward the future by making their decision,” he said.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, head of the main opposition Republican People’s Party and leader of the No campaign, stressed the importance of the vote in remarks to supporters and TV cameramen. “We are voting for Turkey’s destiny,” he declared.

If the referendum is passed, the parliament would be largely sidelined. The prime minister and Cabinet would be abolished, and ministers would be directly appointed by the president and accountable to him. The president would also set the budget.

The constitutional amendments also include ending the official neutrality of the president, allowing him to lead a political party. The presidency will also have the power to dissolve parliament and declare a State of Emergency, as well as greater powers for appointing high court judges, including the constitutional court.

Critics argue the constitutional reforms would usher in an elected dictatorship.

“A one-man regime,” is how Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party, described the proposed changes at a rally Saturday in the capital, Ankara, saying the country was in danger. “We are putting 80 million [people] on a bus with no brakes,” he added.

The referendum campaign has added to the deep polarization already plaguing Turkey. Concerns have been expressed that division could spill over into violence after the result. Ahead of the vote both Erdogan and Kilicdaroglu called on their supporters to respect the result and their opponents.

Opinion polls – while suggesting a small advantage for ‘yes’ campaigners – indicate the lead remains within the margin of error. Given the expected close vote, close scrutiny is expected on the vote itself. Turkey has a long tradition of fair voting, but ‘no’ campaigners have voiced concern that some of their voting observers have been excluded by authorities.

The OSCE, which is monitoring the vote, said it was closely following up those concerns. In its interim report last week it expressed concerns over reports of intimidation of the ‘no’ campaigners and the lack of fair access to the media.