Turkey slams OSCE's election observation interim report
ANKARA
The Turkish government has slammed the interim report of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on the upcoming elections in Turkey.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy on June 15 responded to a question about the OSCE’s interim report, claiming it “includes certain comments, even of political nature,” according to state-run Anadolu Agency.
“An interim report released on June 15, 2018 by the OSCE Election Observation Mission that is currently functioning in our country, has been reviewed carefully. However, it is seen that the interim report includes certain comments, even of political nature, that do not coincide with reality,” he reportedly said.
The interim report cited a number of concerns regarding the democratic process ahead of the elections, including restrictions on freedom of assembly, association and expression, as well as the ongoing arrest of Selahattin Demirtaş, the jailed presidential candidate from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP).
“Our cooperation based on complete transparency with the OSCE mission will continue. It is a universal and fundamental principle that election observation missions work in an unbiased and objective manner,” Aksoy added.
Eight international organizations, including the OSCE, will observe Turkey’s presidential and general elections on June 24.
During Election Day, the observers will mainly monitor voting procedures such as counting, casting and recording votes without interrupting polling boards.
The observers will prepare a report by monitoring campaigning process, election participation and whether international election standards are upheld.
Six candidates are contesting the presidential race while eight political parties are taking part in the parliamentary elections.
