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Sunday, September 12th, 2010

Turkey Votes in Constitutional Referendum

Author:    
Source:     BBC News (U.K.)
Publication Date:     12 September 2010 | 02:45 ET
 Link: Turkey Votes in Constitutional Referendum
Stephan:   Turkey is the one example of a truly functioning modern Islamic State that has reached an approximation of the European standard of living for its people. Thanks to Mustafa Kemal Attaturk, from its modern founding Turkey has had a separation of religion and state which has allowed a pluralistic middle class country to emerge. Not constantly being in a crisis of religious struggle gives people time, energy, and money to focus on improving the quality of their, and their families, lives. It is in everyone's interest that there be civil peace. Turkey is not immune though to the politically powerful fundamentalism that is sweeping so many countries, including the U.S. So this election is yet another exercise in tuning that balance.

The people of Turkey are voting in a referendum on changing the nation’s constitution.

The government wants to make a number of alterations that would bring the constitution more in line with the European Union’s standards.

Some critics say the changes would give the government too much control over the judiciary, others that the process has been rushed.

Supporters of the move say the 28-year-old military constitution must change.

There are 26 amendments to the constitution on the table.

They are mostly small and somewhat technocratic alterations, which many find difficult to understand, says the BBC’s Jonathan Head in Istanbul.

The ruling conservative religious Justice and Development Party (AKP) led by Recep Tayyip Erdogan has claimed the changes will strengthen Turkish democracy.

The EU has backed the changes.

Polling stations will close at 1400GMT and results are expected several hours later.

The secular opposition say that they will vote against the plan and accuse Mr Erdogan’s party of trying to seize control of the judiciary as part of a back-door Islamist coup.

* The military would be more accountable to civilian courts
* Parliament would have more power to appoint judges
* Civil servants would be given the […]

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