YSK's rejection of ballot box relocation an 'erosion of authority,' says PM

Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu has joined criticism of Turkey?s top election authority for its refusal to call for the relocation of ballot boxes in several eastern and southeastern districts, though Deputy Prime Minister Tu?rul Türke? voiced confidence that security forces and local administrations would find a ?formula? for a safe election.

Speaking to private broadcaster Habertürk on Oct. 5, Davuto?lu said the Supreme Election Board (YSK) should consider the appeal to relocate ballot boxes under current delicate security conditions. 

The YSK?s Oct. 3 decision came after a number of local election councils in eastern and southeastern Turkey asked for polling stations for the upcoming election to be moved due to security concerns in certain neighborhoods, amid deadly clashes between security forces and militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers? Party (PKK).

?We respect the decision, but being respectful doesn?t mean agreeing that the decision is right,? Davuto?lu said, adding that the government would fulfill whatever the YSK decision required.

?But this marks an erosion of authority [by the YSK] at a critical time. If it had ruled differently, people would have more confidence in the system and they would be able to go to ballot boxes more comfortably,? he also stated.

Deputy Prime Minister Türke?, however, downplayed the YSK decision, saying it was related to only ?one percent? of the entire country where there have been security problems.

?There is nothing that will have an impact on the results of the election in general,? Türke? told reporters on Oct. 5.

?Although results in these places [such as Cizre and Silvan] seem to be controversial at the moment, I believe that over the next month security...