CHP applies to Constitutional Court for breach of presidential 'impartialness'

Main opposition Republican People?s Party (CHP) deputy O?uz Oyan filed a complaint to the Constitutional Court on May 27, accusing President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an of not obeying the principle of ?impartialness,? following a rejection of his party?s appeal to the Supreme Election Board (YSK).

Erdo?an has been holding rallies as part of collective inaugurations in various provinces as a way to influence the elections, even though this is against the constitution, Oyan told reporters after he submitted the petition. 

The presidency is the only body whose impartiality is defined in the constitution, Oyan said, adding their appeal to the YSK had been rejected, despite two members voting in favor of the application. 

Erdo?an?s acts are a violation of the right to hold a fair, equal election, he stated.

They had to appeal to the Constitutional Court because the YSK?s rulings are definitive judgments, Oyan said, noting they would pursue the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) if they could not get a result from Turkey?s top court.  

In its appeal filed on May 6, the Peoples? Democratic Party (HDP) asked the YSK to warn the office of the presidency about ?holding the election in line with the principle of impartialness and making sure that principles of fair broadcasting are applied.? 

The YSK, however, unanimously rejected the HDP?s appeal late May 6.

The CHP also took a similar initiative on May 6, appealing to the country?s media watchdog. In its appeal, the CHP said Erdo?an was violating the constitution by ?delivering partisan speeches.? The main opposition party?s appeal was also rejected. 

As recently as late April, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) highlighted...