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Turkey referendum: country votes on Erdoğan's proposed new powers – live Turkey referendum: first results in after vote on Erdoğan's proposed new powers – live
(35 minutes later)
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With 46.1% of ballots counted the yes campaign lead is slightly reduced, with 58.58% for YES and 41.82% for NO according to Anadolu Agency
TRT World are reporting the same figures:
#TurkeysChoice: Results in #TurkeyReferendum as of 15:11GMTVotes counted: 46.81%Yes: 58.18% No: 41.82%#TurkeyReferendum
Turnout is as high as 84%, according to Amberin Zaman of The Wilson Center:
Revising turnout to 83.89 % for #Turkeyreferendum with 44.4% of ballots counted Yes:58.6% No: 41.4%
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It’s only an hour since polls closed and results are coming in thick and fast – they don’t hang around, these Turks.
40% of votes counted an hour after final polls close. You have to hand it to this country - 55m voters and they count extremely quickly
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Kareem Shaheen
Early results showing Ankara solidly in the evet camp, while Izmir solid no
While overall results are showing so far with 30% of ballots opened a landslide for the yes campaign, early results from Kurdish areas in the southeast show an expected landslide for the no campaign.
Kurdish areas have been hit particularly hard by the escalation in violence following the breakdown of the ceasefire between the PKK and the government.
The pro-Kurdish opposition party, HDP, has endured a broad crackdown on its officials and its two co-chiefs are in jail.
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First results coming in
TRT, the international news platform of the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation is reporting that the first results have come in Turkey’s referendum – At 14:58GMT, with 32.35% of votes counted: Yes: 61.3% No: 38.7%
#BREAKING: First results in Turkey’s referendum – 14:58GMTVotes counted: 32.35%Yes: 61.3% No: 38.7%#TurkeysChoice #TurkeyReferendum pic.twitter.com/BdIrmZ0FGt
Embargo appears to have been basically scrapped. Early results show yes in lead with just over a third of votes counted.
Some are advising caution with early results:
Early results on NTV show "Yes." with comfortable lead--but way too early to tell this way or that way. #Turkeyreferendum pic.twitter.com/Mp33payE2N
After 25% of ballots counted yes 63.2% No 36.8% #TurkeyReferendum Ankara Istanbul Izmir will be decisive Too early to call
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Turkey election board rules that ballots without authenticating stamps can be counted
TR electoral body says it will consider vote envelopes not stamped w offical stamp as valid,unless there's evidence they came fm outside. pic.twitter.com/L9Qkv866fi
Turkey election board rules that ballots without authenticating stamps can be counted unless proven to have been brought from outside: pic.twitter.com/k1l6OY5aDe
But the main Turkish opposition CHP official has said the decision to accept unstamped ballots will cause “serious legitimacy problem”.
UPDATE: Turkish opposition CHP official says electoral board decision to accept unstamped ballots will cause 'serious legitimacy problem'
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Turkish referendum: all you need to knowTurkish referendum: all you need to know
In Ankara to cover the Turkish referendum. Stay tuned for updates during historic day for Turkey. And read our guide https://t.co/HLmyfWEgAQIn Ankara to cover the Turkish referendum. Stay tuned for updates during historic day for Turkey. And read our guide https://t.co/HLmyfWEgAQ
If you haven’t already this comprehensive piece by Kareem Shaheen is a must read.If you haven’t already this comprehensive piece by Kareem Shaheen is a must read.
Turks will go to the polls on 16 April to vote on constitutional amendments that would transform the country from a parliamentary democracy into a presidential system.Turks will go to the polls on 16 April to vote on constitutional amendments that would transform the country from a parliamentary democracy into a presidential system.
The package, which includes 18 amendments, is being put to the people because the proposed changes to the constitution did not get the backing of two-thirds of MPs in parliament. In this case the reforms were passed in the Turkish Grand National Assembly on 16 January with a simple majority, and then approved by the president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.The package, which includes 18 amendments, is being put to the people because the proposed changes to the constitution did not get the backing of two-thirds of MPs in parliament. In this case the reforms were passed in the Turkish Grand National Assembly on 16 January with a simple majority, and then approved by the president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The referendum could bring about arguably the most significant political development since the Turkish republic was declared in 1923. The determination with which Erdoğan has pursued it has seen him dispatch ministers to Europe in search of expatriate voters, and attack the Dutch government as “Nazi remnants” when it cancelled campaign events.The referendum could bring about arguably the most significant political development since the Turkish republic was declared in 1923. The determination with which Erdoğan has pursued it has seen him dispatch ministers to Europe in search of expatriate voters, and attack the Dutch government as “Nazi remnants” when it cancelled campaign events.
Under the new system, Erdoğan will be able to stand in two more election cycles, which means if he wins the 2019 and 2024 polls he could potentially stay on as a powerful head of state until 2029. He could also return to the leadership of the Justice and Development party (AKP), which he co-founded, and which holds the overwhelming majority in parliament.Under the new system, Erdoğan will be able to stand in two more election cycles, which means if he wins the 2019 and 2024 polls he could potentially stay on as a powerful head of state until 2029. He could also return to the leadership of the Justice and Development party (AKP), which he co-founded, and which holds the overwhelming majority in parliament.
The post of president used to be largely ceremonial but had some influence over policymaking. Through sheer force of personality, and the loyalty he still commands among the AKP electorate and their lawmakers, Erdoğan has made it a much more powerful job. Should the referendum go his way, it will be more powerful still.The post of president used to be largely ceremonial but had some influence over policymaking. Through sheer force of personality, and the loyalty he still commands among the AKP electorate and their lawmakers, Erdoğan has made it a much more powerful job. Should the referendum go his way, it will be more powerful still.
His profile of the man driving these changes, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is here.His profile of the man driving these changes, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is here.
My profile of Erdoğan on the eve of the referendum https://t.co/2r48I8n5mVMy profile of Erdoğan on the eve of the referendum https://t.co/2r48I8n5mV
Erdoğan’s supporters have imbued him with a cult of personality rarely seen in the country since it was founded on the ashes of the Ottoman empire by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. They propelled him to the presidency in 2014 in the first ever popular presidential elections in the republic’s history, a mandate that allowed him to reshape a largely ceremonial post into an influential one simply by sheer willpower.Erdoğan’s supporters have imbued him with a cult of personality rarely seen in the country since it was founded on the ashes of the Ottoman empire by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. They propelled him to the presidency in 2014 in the first ever popular presidential elections in the republic’s history, a mandate that allowed him to reshape a largely ceremonial post into an influential one simply by sheer willpower.
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Polls close in TurkeyPolls close in Turkey
The polls have now closed in Turkey, although those who have been queuing to vote will be allowed to cast their ballot.The polls have now closed in Turkey, although those who have been queuing to vote will be allowed to cast their ballot.
Turkey has no official exit polls and media are barred from publishing or broadcasting election results until the High Election Board lifts the ban at 1800 GMT or earlier.Turkey has no official exit polls and media are barred from publishing or broadcasting election results until the High Election Board lifts the ban at 1800 GMT or earlier.
Polls close in #Turkeyreferendum. #Turkeyvotes #16April pic.twitter.com/pbywbBpWvzPolls close in #Turkeyreferendum. #Turkeyvotes #16April pic.twitter.com/pbywbBpWvz
The voting in historic #TurkeyReferendum is over, with the exception of voters who might still be waiting in line to cast their vote.The voting in historic #TurkeyReferendum is over, with the exception of voters who might still be waiting in line to cast their vote.
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What is the referendum about?What is the referendum about?
Turkish people are being asked to vote on a new constitution that would extend the powers of the Turkish president. Here is an outline of some of the major changes by Wolgang Piccoli, co-president and director of research at Teneo Intelligence.Turkish people are being asked to vote on a new constitution that would extend the powers of the Turkish president. Here is an outline of some of the major changes by Wolgang Piccoli, co-president and director of research at Teneo Intelligence.
Key features of the Turkish-style executive presidency by Teneo Intelligence pic.twitter.com/1w5MrOr5owKey features of the Turkish-style executive presidency by Teneo Intelligence pic.twitter.com/1w5MrOr5ow
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Reports of violence during votingReports of violence during voting
There have been reports of violence near a polling station in the south-east of Turkey. There are differing reports about injuries: Sky are saying three have died, while others are reporting two deaths.There have been reports of violence near a polling station in the south-east of Turkey. There are differing reports about injuries: Sky are saying three have died, while others are reporting two deaths.
The state news agency Anadolu said a land feud may have been the reason for Sunday’s deadly quarrel, while the private Dogan news agency reported it as caused by “differences in political opinion”.The state news agency Anadolu said a land feud may have been the reason for Sunday’s deadly quarrel, while the private Dogan news agency reported it as caused by “differences in political opinion”.
The cause of the incident, in Diyarbakkır province, was not immediately clear but there appears to have been a dispute between two rival groups.The cause of the incident, in Diyarbakkır province, was not immediately clear but there appears to have been a dispute between two rival groups.
Two killed in gunfight at polilng station in #Diyarbakir during #TurkishReferendum Read more https://t.co/a6X7ya2wkr #EURONEWS pic.twitter.com/XKnxosTH5TTwo killed in gunfight at polilng station in #Diyarbakir during #TurkishReferendum Read more https://t.co/a6X7ya2wkr #EURONEWS pic.twitter.com/XKnxosTH5T
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15:0115:01
Kareem ShaheenKareem Shaheen
My colleague Kareem Shaheen is in Turkey, tracking developments as they happen today. He’s been speaking to voters in Ayranci, but many do not want to give their names.My colleague Kareem Shaheen is in Turkey, tracking developments as they happen today. He’s been speaking to voters in Ayranci, but many do not want to give their names.
If this 69 yo man lugging his oxygen tank with him to the referendum can vote, you can vote too pic.twitter.com/KSKX3qGeZkIf this 69 yo man lugging his oxygen tank with him to the referendum can vote, you can vote too pic.twitter.com/KSKX3qGeZk
At the Çankaya primary school in the largely secularist neighbourhood of Ayranci, the voting was orderly and well-organised and people flowed in and out to vote for much of the afternoon.At the Çankaya primary school in the largely secularist neighbourhood of Ayranci, the voting was orderly and well-organised and people flowed in and out to vote for much of the afternoon.
This is a polling station in which many former presidents of Turkey cast their vote, and one of the people who voted here today was Gen Hulusi Akar, the chief of staff of the armed forces.This is a polling station in which many former presidents of Turkey cast their vote, and one of the people who voted here today was Gen Hulusi Akar, the chief of staff of the armed forces.
Didem Yalinay, a woman who voted no in the referendum, said she did so because of the government’s abuses against the opposition.Didem Yalinay, a woman who voted no in the referendum, said she did so because of the government’s abuses against the opposition.
“People in Turkey do not feel good about this oppression and they have a chance to say no today,” she said. “I believe in the wisdom of the people of this country. I said no because I want justice.”“People in Turkey do not feel good about this oppression and they have a chance to say no today,” she said. “I believe in the wisdom of the people of this country. I said no because I want justice.”
An elderly couple, 91 and 87 years old, arrived with their granddaughter to cast their vote despite the grandmother being in a wheelchair. They said they wanted to do their duty by voting despite their ailments. They described themselves as “children of the republic”.An elderly couple, 91 and 87 years old, arrived with their granddaughter to cast their vote despite the grandmother being in a wheelchair. They said they wanted to do their duty by voting despite their ailments. They described themselves as “children of the republic”.
In tears, the granddaughter, who voted no along with her family, said: “This is a war without weapons. I am here to save my country.”In tears, the granddaughter, who voted no along with her family, said: “This is a war without weapons. I am here to save my country.”
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Turkish voters were deciding in a historic referendum Sunday whether to approve constitutional changes that would greatly expand the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.Turkish voters were deciding in a historic referendum Sunday whether to approve constitutional changes that would greatly expand the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
If the yes vote prevails, the 18 constitutional changes will replace Turkey’s parliamentary system of government with a presidential one, abolishing the office of the prime minister and granting sweeping executive powers to the president.If the yes vote prevails, the 18 constitutional changes will replace Turkey’s parliamentary system of government with a presidential one, abolishing the office of the prime minister and granting sweeping executive powers to the president.
More than 55 million people in this country of about 80 million were registered to vote. Polls in the country’s 32 eastern provinces closed at 4pm (1300 GMT), and were to close an hour later in the more populous west.More than 55 million people in this country of about 80 million were registered to vote. Polls in the country’s 32 eastern provinces closed at 4pm (1300 GMT), and were to close an hour later in the more populous west.
The ballots themselves did not include the referendum question [as] it was assumed to be understood. Voters used an official stamp to select between yes and no.The ballots themselves did not include the referendum question [as] it was assumed to be understood. Voters used an official stamp to select between yes and no.
At one Istanbul polling station, eager voters lined up outside before it opened at 8am.At one Istanbul polling station, eager voters lined up outside before it opened at 8am.
“We are here early to say no for our country, for our children and grandchildren,” said retired tax officer Murtaza Ali Turgut. His wife Zeynep agreed, saying: “I was going to come sleep here last night to vote at first light.”“We are here early to say no for our country, for our children and grandchildren,” said retired tax officer Murtaza Ali Turgut. His wife Zeynep agreed, saying: “I was going to come sleep here last night to vote at first light.”
Istanbul resident Husnu Yahsi, 61, also said he was voting no. “I don’t want to get on a bus with no brake system. A one-man system is like that,” he said.Istanbul resident Husnu Yahsi, 61, also said he was voting no. “I don’t want to get on a bus with no brake system. A one-man system is like that,” he said.
In another Istanbul neighbourhood, a yes voter expressed full support for Erdoğan.In another Istanbul neighbourhood, a yes voter expressed full support for Erdoğan.
“Yes, yes, yes! Our leader is the gift of God to us,” said Mualla Sengul. “We will always support him. He’s governing so well.”“Yes, yes, yes! Our leader is the gift of God to us,” said Mualla Sengul. “We will always support him. He’s governing so well.”
The official Anadolu news agency reported that military helicopters flew ballots and elections officers to some districts of the south-eastern predominantly Kurdish region of Diyarbakır due to security reasons.The official Anadolu news agency reported that military helicopters flew ballots and elections officers to some districts of the south-eastern predominantly Kurdish region of Diyarbakır due to security reasons.
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Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of Turkey’s landmark referendum.Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of Turkey’s landmark referendum.
Voting is under way for the historic vote that will determine whether President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will be allowed to enforce sweeping new powers.Voting is under way for the historic vote that will determine whether President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will be allowed to enforce sweeping new powers.
Erdoğan wants to replace the parliamentary system with an executive presidency – arguing that it will bring stability and modernise the country. But opponents fear it could lead to greater authoritarianism, a lack of parliamentary and judicial oversight and see Erdoğan remain in office until 2029.Erdoğan wants to replace the parliamentary system with an executive presidency – arguing that it will bring stability and modernise the country. But opponents fear it could lead to greater authoritarianism, a lack of parliamentary and judicial oversight and see Erdoğan remain in office until 2029.
About 55 million people are eligible to vote across 167,000 polling stations, with the results expected to be announced later this evening.About 55 million people are eligible to vote across 167,000 polling stations, with the results expected to be announced later this evening.
I’ll be with you until we get the results – if you want to get in touch on Twitter I am @lexytopping or you can email me on alexandra.topping@theguardian.comI’ll be with you until we get the results – if you want to get in touch on Twitter I am @lexytopping or you can email me on alexandra.topping@theguardian.com
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