The date is significant: Sept. 12 is a symbolic date in Turkey as it is associated with the Sept. 12, 1980 military coup. The process of setting the date caused an ongoing dispute between the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Differing opinions on the content of the referendum are keeping disputes going, particularly between the two parties. If you are not Turkish, you may be wondering what this referendum is all about. Basically, the outcome of the referendum vote will determine if the existing Constitution of Turkey will be significantly modified. The main provisions in the reform package to be voted on would make the military more accountable to civilian courts, as well as give Parliament a say in appointing judges. It would also allow public servants the right to collective bargaining and the right to strike, and end immunity from prosecution for the 1980 military coup leaders.The population of Turkey is nearly 77 million according to July 2009 estimates. Every Turkish citizen older than 18 years of age has the right to vote. The sale of alcohol is prohibited until after polls are closed on the day of voting. Also people are forbidden to carry firearms. At the entrance of polling stations there are security checks. So leave your bottle and gun at home. Often when I try to explain to my American friends about political parties in Turkey it is hard for them to grasp. Unlike American electoral politics, which is primarily a two-party system where Republicans and Democrats dominate, Turkey is different. In 2004, there were 50 registered political parties in the country, according to the Turkish Directorate General of Press and Information (Aug. 24, 2004). The Constitutional Court can withdraw the public funding of a political party that it deems anti-secular or separatist, or ban their existence altogether.
If you have been tuning into the news in recent days you will have heard about the CHP protests around the country as well. If you read Turkish you can read about the most recent polls on www.medyafaresi.com; these polls show how close the vote may be on Sept. 12. Members of the CHP administration admitted that the results of recent polls showed an increase in the people who would vote yes, but added that polls are like the weather these days -- always changing. They also noted that what is most important is the final result on Sept. 12.
Maybe you are unaware that you can cast your vote at airports before the referendum. You can go to the website www.ysk.gov.tr to read all about the details to be sure you are registered to vote in the country or if you are abroad. I have already made sure I am registered and know just where to go on Sept. 12. I even have a print out of details so I know which box (sandık numarası) and row number (sıra numarası) I am, so I can go to the exact room and choose my color ballot and stamp it to place my vote. I’m just wondering if a drop of ink will be placed on my index finger to show I have voted.
You may have heard that there is some confusion about the stamps that will be given to you to cast your vote. There are supposedly ballots that are two colors, white for yes votes and brown for no; however, some people who have already voted at the airports upon departure and who will be out of the country on Sept. 12 have been confused by the stamps. It seems that some of the stamps have “yes” written on them and others read “choice,” meant to imply your preference. This should not really cause any confusion if you have the right color. The stamps are just the latest controversy over the referendum that seems to have overtaken the debate about the content of the reforms themselves.
From what I understand from an article by the Hauser Global Law School program, the Constitution of 1982 has so far been amended several times, and these previous amendments broadened the scope of rights and liberties, eliminated some of their restrictions, strengthened their constitutional safeguards and were not decided by a referendum. This time you can vote on it.
Note: Charlotte McPherson is the author of “Culture Smart: Turkey, 2005.” Please keep your questions and observations coming: I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman’s readers. Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com
