Turkey referendum flawed and one-sided, say European observers

The state of severe polarisation in Turkey has swelled after the slim victory of "Yes" with 51.4 percent in the nation's referendum that was held to make a constitutional amendment, which will turn Turkey from its parliamentary system into a new executive presidential system. While supporters claim the new system will stabilize a government that faces growing internal and external threats, detractors say it will effectively give the Middle East yet another authoritarian leader.

The increasing polarization of Turkish society has long anxious Turkey observers, who note the dangers of deepening societal divisions in a country with a history of political instability.

With almost all of the 47.5 millions votes counted, the "Yes" camp claimed a narrow victory with 51.4% of the vote, according to state-run media, a result that punctuates the country's deep divisions.

She said that the president and ruling AKP were given preferential treatment in the media and more air time, and that the jailing of journalists and closure of media organizations after the attempted coup a year ago had "led to widespread self-censorship in Turkey".

The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that these measures and changes are needed to address the challenges and insurgency that are taking over the country after the failed attempted coup that occurred previous year. About 100,000 people have been fired from their jobs in the crackdown that followed on supporters of a USA -based Islamic cleric and former Erdogan ally who the president blamed for the attempted putsch. Erdogan accuses Gulen, a onetime political ally, of fomenting the coup. The CHP has said it is also willing to file a case with the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.

In the bluntest criticism of a Turkish election by European monitors in memory, a mission of observers from the 47-member Council of Europe, the continent's leading human rights body, said the referendum was an uneven contest. "Tayyip Erdogan may have done more good than the other big players (of Turkish politics). but I think of Tayyip Erdogan as just the best of the worst". The relationship has soured ever since.

"We should offer Turkey a thematic partnership, for example on the fight against terrorism, migration and economic policy, as well as student and cultural exchange". Erdogan declared victory in Sunday's historic referendum that will grant sweeping powers to the presidency, hailing the result as a "historic decision". He has radically changed the post in that time, using his popularity with the Turkish people to remain the de facto head of government and dwarfing the prime minister's role.

There has been some speculation that Erdogan could call new elections so that his new powers could take effect right away.

The changes limit any one president to two terms, although under certain circumstances they could seek a third. The president can directly appoint top public officials, including judges, and also has the authority to intervene in judicial decisions.

The president could also in some circumstances dissolve parliament, although this would also mean calling an early presidential election.

The two largest opposition parties both challenged Sunday's referendum, saying it was deeply flawed. Erdogan's active involvement along with national and local officials made the campaign "imbalanced", their preliminary report said.

Erdogan supporters cheered his narrow victory. Implementing the reforms would now begin, starting with the judiciary, he said.

In an indication more strife with Brussels could be in the offing, Erdogan said he would now hold talks on reinstating capital punishment, a move that would automatically end Turkey's European Union bid.

Alec Siegel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. His passions include: gooey chocolate chips, black coffee, mountains, the Animal Kingdom in general, and John Lennon.