11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

2007 parliamentary elections ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22968]

"The 2007 parliamentary elections were held under election laws that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) found established a framework for democratic elections in line with international standards. The law requires a party receive at least 10 percent of the valid votes cast nationwide to enter parliament. Some political parties criticized the 10 percent threshold as unduly high, and the OSCE noted that Turkey's 10 percent threshold remained the highest in the OSCE region.

The OSCE also noted in its observation report following the 2007 elections that, despite a comprehensive legal framework for elections, political campaigning and, in a broader context, freedom of expression were constrained by a number of laws which created the potential for uncertainty and scope for arbitrary interpretation. The OSCE also noted the positive efforts made to enhance the participation of Turkish citizens of Kurdish origin in political life. Legislation, however, continued to prohibit the use of languages other than Turkish in the election campaign.

In a polarized political climate leading up to presidential and parliamentary elections during the year, the military issued three statements that human rights groups characterized as attempts to exert pressure on the democratic process. On April 12, April 27, and June 8, in speeches and on its Web site, the military emphasized what it regarded as the deep threats posed by religious fundamentalism and terrorism and asserted the military's role as the ultimate defender of secularism. As the presidential election process proceeded, on April 27, the Turkish General Staff published a memorandum on its Web site expressing concern at the alleged weakening of secularism in the country. Human rights observers labeled the action a "coup by e-memorandum" and maintained the political intervention contributed to a later Constitutional Court decision that halted the April presidential election process and led to early parliamentary elections. The June 8 statement referred to human rights defenders and others critical of state authorities as synonymous with supporters of terrorist organizations. In a July 22 briefing paper, Human Rights Watch called the statements "veiled threats" against the ruling AKP party. Freedom House stated that these statements were suggestive that the "the army still retains disproportional influence over the political process."

Political parties and candidates could freely declare their candidacy and stand for election. The high court of appeals chief prosecutor could only seek to close political parties for unconstitutional activities by bringing a case before the Constitutional Court."

Document(s): Open document

27.11.2007 - Source: Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Report on the Early Parliamentary Elections on 22 July 2007 (electoral system, election administration, campaign environment, media, participation of minorities and women) ("Final Report on the Early Parliamentary Elections on 22 July 2007") [ID 21927]

Document(s): Open document

06.11.2007 - Source: European Commission

Parliamentary elections 2007 ("Turkey 2007 Progress Report [SEC(2007) 1436]") [ID 22254]

"Parliamentary elections were held on 22 July 2007. Voter turnout was over 83%. Following an invitation from the Turkish authorities, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, OSCE/ODIHR, carried out an election assessment mission. In a press statement, the OSCE/ODIHR stressed that the electoral process was characterized by pluralism and a high level of public confidence underscored by the transparent, professional and efficient performance of the election administration. A delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) also observed the elections and came to similar conclusions.

Three parties crossed the 10% threshold of the national vote required to be represented in Parliament. These were the Justice and Development Party (AKP) with 46.6%, resulting in 341 seats, the Republican People’s Party (CHP) with 20.9% (99 seats) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) which obtained 14.3% (70 seats). 26 independent candidates were also elected. 20 of these, from the Democratic Society Party (DTP), formed their own political group. This brought the number of political groups to four. Additional parties represented in parliament are the Democratic Left Party (DSP), with 13 Members of Parliament, the Grand Unity Party (BBP) and the Freedom and Democracy Party (ÖDP) with one seat each. [...]

Overall, through free and fair parliamentary elections Turkey resolved the political and constitutional crisis which followed the April presidential elections. The elections were fully EN 8 EN in line with the rule of law and international democratic standards. Participation was high and the new Parliament is highly representative of Turkish political diversity. Elections of the President in August took place smoothly and in accordance with the Constitution. A new government was formed and presented an EU-oriented reform agenda."

Document(s): Open document

12.09.2007 - Source: Council of Europe - Parliamentary Assembly

Observation of the Parliamentary elections in Turkey (22 July 2007) ("Observation of the Parliamentary elections in Turkey (22 July 2007) [Doc. 11367]") [ID 22669]

Document(s): Report

10.09.2007 - Source: Congressional Research Service

Report on parliamentary and presidential elections 2007 ("Turkey’s 2007 Elections: Crisis of Identity and Power [RL34039]") [ID 24267]

Document(s): Open document

24.07.2007 - Source: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung

Parliamentary elections: Clear victory of ruling Party for Justice and Development (AKP) ("Nach den Parlamentswahlen in der Türkei") [ID 22670]

Document(s): Open document

09.05.2007 - Source: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung

Early parliamentary elections are expected to pave the way out of the political crisis that has evolved with showdown between religious and secular factions after failed presidential elections ("Vorgezogene Parlamentswahlen sollen Türkei aus der Krise führen") [ID 22671]

Document(s): Open document