Politics

Erdoğan closes in on referendum victory with 96% of ballots counted

Erdoğan closes in on referendum victory with 96% of ballots counted

The constitutional referendum in Turkey appears to have ended in favour of change. With 96% of the ballots counted, the ‘Yes’ votes made up 51.5%, according to the state-run news agency Anadolu. This would mean a replacement of the parliamentary system with an executive presidency. The constitutional changes could also keep President Erdoğan in office until 2029.The opposition criticised the High Electoral Board’s decision to accept unstamped ballots. The Republican Peoples Party also claimed ‘many illegal acts’ were carried out in favour for ‘Yes’. Apr 16, 2017
Turkish opposition questions decision to accept unstamped ballots

Turkish opposition questions decision to accept unstamped ballots

Following the Turkish electoral boards decision to accept unstamped ballots as valid votes, the opposition Peoples Republican Party (CHP) has questioned the legitimacy of the referendum. The High Electoral Board (YSK) stated on its website that many YSK officials at polling stations did not stamp polling cards, leading to complaints. Apr 16, 2017
Theresa May criticised for saying country is united after Brexit

Theresa May criticised for saying country is united after Brexit

In her Easter speech, Prime Minister Theresa May tried to highlight a sense of community after many heated Brexit debates. On Twitter she was heavily criticised for the notion that people in Britain had become closer after the Brexit referendum. Apr 16, 2017
Landmark referendum on sweeping presidential powers underway in Turkey

Landmark referendum on sweeping presidential powers underway in Turkey

Polling stations have opened for the controversial constitutional referendum in Turkey. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hopes to gain considerably more power through the changes.Critics worry the constitutional changes would grant Erdoğan authoritarian rule until 2029.International elections observers from the OSCE are attending polling stations over worries about possible manipulations of votes. Security at polling stations has also been stepped up after threats made by Isis. Apr 16, 2017
Irans Hassan Rouhani registers for second term in upcoming presidential elections

Irans Hassan Rouhani registers for second term in upcoming presidential elections

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will run in upcoming elections for a second term. Rouhani contributed to the landmark nuclear deal with six countries, including the US, in 2015. Hardliners in Iran believe he made too many concessions to reach a deal.Rouhani’s main rival in the elections will be conservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi. Irans presidential elections will be held on 19 May. Apr 15, 2017
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