Protests Continue as Turkey Extends State of Emergency, Angering Opposition

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Turkey's main opposition party has filed a formal request seeking Sunday's referendum to be annulled because of alleged voting irregularities.

Regardless of a dogged European campaign, following some controversial bans on the "yes" bloc and overt support for the naysayers, Turks in Europe overwhelmingly voted "yes", in favor of the proposed constitutional amendments.In Belgium, where voter turnout was above 53 percent, almost 75 percent of voters opted for "yes".

In an address to politicians from his ruling party, he said the people had voted to switch from a parliamentary to a presidential system, adding: "The opposition should not speak after the people have spoken".

He refuted concerns raised by global monitors from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), telling them to "know your place".

On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the results of Turkish referendum should be respected.

The opposition has been particularly incensed by a last-minute move from the YSK to accept ballot documents in envelopes without an official stamp.

The bar association expects Turkey's electoral body to realize its constitutional responsibilities in evaluating complaints, a statement said.

European Union urges Turkey to investigate election fraud
Ignoring these monitors, US President Donald Trump called Erdogan on Monday to congratulate him on the referendum. But Binali Yildirim warned that calling for street protests was unacceptable.

Erdogan has rejected the criticism by monitors.

And the U.S. State Department released a statement Monday urging the Turkish government to "protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all its citizens-regardless of their vote on April 16-as guaranteed by the Turkish Constitution and in accordance with Turkey's global commitments, such as under the Helsinki Charter", which requires signatory countries to uphold human rights.

The EU's call comes after the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe, a democracy watchdog, both said in a report that it saw fundamental flaws and an uneven playing field in Turkey's referendum. He accused the board of "changing the rules mid-game".

Unlike European leaders who expressed reservations about the referendum, US President Donald Trump telephoned Erdogan to congratulate him on his victory.

Critics fear the changes will lead to autocratic one-man rule under Erdogan, but supporters say they simply put Turkey in line with France and the United States and are needed for efficient government.

Representatives from a coalition of worldwide bodies said the vote took place on an "unlevel playing field", with the "yes" campaign dominating media coverage.

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