Free and democratic elections are an indispensable part of Turkey’s state tradition. The high turnout in every election demonstrates, in the best way, our people’s commitment to democracy and their trust in the electoral system.

The reason for the decision to re-run the municipal elections in İstanbul is because certain unlawful elements in the elections held on 31 March 2019 were identified, and it is not related to the election results. Everyone should respect this decision taken by the Supreme Election Council, whose authority to administer and supervise elections is enshrined in our Constitution and whose members are elected out of the judges of the high courts. It should be kept in mind that similar processes took place in the U.S. and other countries and were resolved in accordance with democratic principles.

Accurate reflection of the Turkish people’s will in the election results is a requirement of our national laws and international commitments. It will be Turkey’s priority, as it has been in the past elections, to fulfill this requirement in the 23 June elections.