Türkiye should revise the restrictions on the right to vote and stand in elections as well as on the freedom of expression, enhance the accuracy of electoral rolls, strengthen the participation of women and youth in elections and pursue efforts to ensure accessibility of polling stations.
These were the key recommendations adopted by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, based on the findings of the report of the Congress mission to observe local elections in Türkiye on 31 March 2024.
Presenting the report, David Eray (Switzerland, R, EPP/CCE) and Vladimir Prebilič (Slovenia, L, SOC/G/PD) pointed out that the elections were conducted in a calm and professional manner, despite deficiencies observed during the pre-election period and against the background of a challenging economic situation and post-earthquake reconstruction. They commended the level of commitment of voters and candidates to local democracy down to the level closest to the citizens and welcomed the wide acceptance of results. They also noted that the electoral campaign was highly competitive and offered voters with substantial alternatives, and welcomed the fact that the post-electoral developments seemed to show a successful democratic transition of power.
At the same time, the Congress delegation found that most 2019 Congress recommendations remained unaddressed – in particular measures to guarantee an equal level playing field for all candidates, which remain a prerequisite for genuine democratic elections at local and regional levels. The campaign also remained excessively focused on national politics and marred by widespread allegations of misuse of public resources and official positions. Finally, the Congress delegation deplored the decision of the Ministry of the Interior to resort to controversial articles of the Municipality Law to appoint a trustee in lieu of an elected mayor.
Full speech (Vladimir Prebilič)
***
