OCSE: limited freedom of expression and electoral rights in 12 June vote
OCSE: limited freedom of expression and electoral rights in 12 June vote
Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan is in Europe giving lectures on "democracy and integration" while its country has been once again criticized for limited freedom of expression and electoral rights.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) have released their report on the 12 June elections in Turkey.
According to the report the elections demonstrated commitment to democracy, but failed when it comes to freedom of expression and electoral rights. Indeed the report points out that the Constitution and implementing legislation continue to unduly limit freedom of expression, freedom of association and electoral rights.
While confirming that solid institutions and experience in holding democratic elections are proved, the report points out that there is a need to ensure the equality of vote weight among constituencies, to lift restrictions on suffrage rights, as well as to enhance transparency in the electoral complaints and appeals process.
The report described the campaign as lively, and the level of electoral participation as impressive, but it also said that legislative limitations on freedom of expression, a high number of arrested and convicted journalists, and the alleged control exercised by the government over some influential media were all cause of growing concern.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) have released their report on the 12 June elections in Turkey.
According to the report the elections demonstrated commitment to democracy, but failed when it comes to freedom of expression and electoral rights. Indeed the report points out that the Constitution and implementing legislation continue to unduly limit freedom of expression, freedom of association and electoral rights.
While confirming that solid institutions and experience in holding democratic elections are proved, the report points out that there is a need to ensure the equality of vote weight among constituencies, to lift restrictions on suffrage rights, as well as to enhance transparency in the electoral complaints and appeals process.
The report described the campaign as lively, and the level of electoral participation as impressive, but it also said that legislative limitations on freedom of expression, a high number of arrested and convicted journalists, and the alleged control exercised by the government over some influential media were all cause of growing concern.
