Election authority cites constitution upon question on election postponement

Turkey's Supreme Election Council (YSK) cited in its response to a political party's application for information on conditions for a possible postponement of elections the constitution and a law on presidential elections.

The Workers Party of Turkey (TIP) asked YSK "under which circumstances other than warfare the elections could be postponed," "who has the authority to postpone the elections," and "whether or not YSK has the authority."

YSK declined to give a direct reply saying it did not have a duty to provide information or express opinion except for the cases in which its counsel is required, but still gave reference to article 78 of the Turkish Constitution, which says "the Turkish Grand National Assembly may postpone the elections for a year in case they cannot be held on time because of a warfare."

It also cited article 5 of the law on presidential elections, which says exactly the same thing.

TIP's application to YSK for information follows speculations that the election authority might call for a postponement of elections on grounds that they cannot be held under current circumstances in earthquake hit areas, where over 12 million people were living before the twin quakes on 6 February.