Turkish voters in Balkans prepare to vote in June 7 election

Polling stations have been set up in Turkish embassies for voting to take place over the weekend.

Turkish voters in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia will go to the ballot box on May 30-31, while in Albania and Kosovo they will cast their votes on May 31 only.

Turkey’s ambassador to Bosnia, Cihad Erginay, said there were 2,000 expat Turkish citizens registered to vote.

“Voting booths will be open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. local time for Turkish nationals in Bosnia at the Turkish Embassy,” said Erginay, calling on all eligible Turkish citizens to participate in the election.

Another 2,000 Turkish citizens are registered to vote in Macedonia and can cast their ballot at the Turkish Embassy in Skopje between May 30 and 31.

In Albania about 881 registered citizens will be able to go to the polls in the capital Tirana on May 31.

Turkish citizens abroad voted for the first time in foreign countries in the presidential election on Aug. 10, 2014, but an appointment system that dedicated certain hours for each voter failed to attract a high turnout. The appointment system has been lifted for the general election. 

All parties have attached importance to overseas voters, holding meetings and rallies in Europe during their campaigns.

A total of 685,158 Turkish citizens had cast their votes in embassies and consulates abroad as of May 28, while voting had first opened on May 8.

Turks in Australia, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Switzerland, Northern Cyprus, Norway and the United States have voted at a total of 40 overseas ballot boxes, in addition to voting at customs gates.

Voters will elect 550 members of the Turkish parliament from 20 political parties in next month’s poll, which will be the country’s 25th general election.