HDP appeals for annulment of referendum

Declaring that it finds the decision of SBE questionable, HDP appealed for annulment of referendum. HDP also filed criminal complaints against the head and members of SBE on the ground of “professional misconduct and agreeing on decision leading to disturbance of social order”.

A committee consisting of HDP Central Executive Board, Group Deputy Chair Ahmet Yıldırım, MPs Mithat Sancar, İmam Taşçıer, Ertuğrul Kürkçü, Müslüm Doğan and Bedia Özgökçe Ertan and members of Ankara Provincial Organization made a statement after filing the criminal complaint.

Mithat Sancar said: "If SBE doesn't annul the referendum, it will remain questionable forever. Deeming unstamped ballots valid is not a simple violation. There are reports claiming that envelopes were stamped after the ballot boxes were opened. There is no way to make this referendum lawful anymore.”

HDP Group Deputy Chair Ahmet Yıldırım and lawyers filed a criminal complaint against head of SBE Sadi Güven. Making a statement after filing the complaint, Yıldırım said that they filed the complaint on the ground of “professional misconduct and agreeing on decision leading to disturbance of social order”.

Criminal complaint

Ahmet Yıldırım said: “Constitutional referendum was held 3 days ago. Though they made it look like a constitutional referendum, it was really about a regime change that would alter the entire political and administrative structure of the country. However, this referendum was held in a really questionable way. Before the referendum, we witnessed and experienced inequality of opportunities everywhere. 

“However, this wasn't the end of it. On the day of referendum, security forces entered the voting areas in eastern provinces and violations continued throughout the day.

“About 70 minutes after the end of voting, a change was made with the announcement of SBE. They violated the rule stating that unstamped ballots and envelops are invalid. 

“This referendum must be annulled. We filed a criminal complaint against the head and members of SBE on the ground of professional misconduct and agreeing on decision leading to disturbance of social order.”

CHP also appealed to SBE yesterday, demanding the referendum is annulled.