Even drafters of coup constitution want it changed

Fahri Öztürk, a member of the Advisory Council that drafted the 1982 Constitution, believes the amendments are important. “It doesn't matter how good a constitution prepared under coup conditions may be, it can't be democratic,” Öztürk said, noting that the package will change the Constitution's antidemocratic spirit to a large extent.

Describing the amendments to the composition of the judiciary “very positive,” Öztürk said: “Only members of higher courts could be elected to the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors [HSYK]. Now, class one judges will be elected. Judges in rural areas are going to be represented as well. I think this is very positive.”

Explaining that just because the 1982 Constitution was approved by a majority of people does not mean it was embraced by everyone, Öztürk said the coup constitution was approved because people believed that if they accepted the constitution, the coup regime would end and a normal government would be set up.

He also underlined that in order for Turkey to become a more democratic country, a new constitution was needed.