TURKPA Mission observed presidential election and parliamentary general elections in Türkiye
May 14, 2023

TURKPA Election Observation Mission composed of the parliamentarians from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the representatives of the TURKPA Secretariat, conducted a short-term monitoring of the presidential election and parliamentary general elections held on 14 May 2023 in the Republic of Türkiye. The Mission was headed by Ahliman Amiraslanov, Chairman of the Committee of Healthcare of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan and of the TURKPA Commission on Environment, Natural Resources and Health Protection.

Observation program of the Mission included meetings with Ahmet Yener, Chairman of the Supreme Election Council of the Republic of Türkiye, as well as with the representatives of political parties contesting the elections.

The Mission reviewed the legal framework for the elections, election system and last amenments to the electoral legislation.

On the election day, the Mission visited polling stations in Ankara and observed the voting process at all stages, starting from the opening of polling stations till the counting of votes. TURKPA observers monitored casting of votes, conversed with voters, local observers and polling stations’ officials.

On 15 May, the Mission held a press conference on the preliminary outcomes of its observation.

The Mission assessed overall voting process positively in the polling stations visited, characterizing it as well-organized and transparent. The visited polling stations were considered suitable for independent access for voters with disabilities. The Mission noted the presence of local observers at the polling stations that contributed to the transparency of the electoral process.

The Mission underlined that the elections were held in competitive and pluralistic environment with high voter turnout and active participation of political parties.

The Mission highly appreciated the measures taken to ensure the electoral rights of voters displaced by the earthquakes.

The Mission concluded that the presidential election and parliamentary general elections in the Republic of Türkiye of 14 May 2023 were held in compliance with the national legislation of the Republic of Türkiye and international election standards.