Turkey: CHP head says referendum is not an election

KONYA, Turkey

Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader urged voters on Wednesday to remember that the upcoming constitutional referendum is not a party issue. 

"This is not a matter of Party A or B. This is an issue of democracy. Will we say Yes or No to constitutional change? That's the question," Kemal Kilicdaroglu said at a rally in central Konya province.

CHP chairman said it was essential for everyone to understand what they are voting for and why.

"Every citizen should know well why they are saying Yes or No to the constitutional change, and vote accordingly.

"Because this constitutional change concerns not only today, but the future and our grandchildren," he said.

Kilicdaroglu criticized the proposal of increasing number of MPs from 550 to 600, saying it would cost the Turkish economy tens of millions liras in five years.

A firm opponent of the proposed amendments, Kilicdaroglu said that they were not calling on anyone to vote in a particular way, and reiterated that they would respect Yes and No voters alike.

The constitutional changes have been discussed since Erdogan was voted president in August 2014.

The 18-article bill was passed by parliament in January, with 339 votes in favor -- nine more than needed to put the proposal to a referendum. The reforms would hand wide-ranging executive powers to the president and the post of prime minister would be abolished.

The president would also be allowed to retain ties to a political party. Other changes would see the minimum age for parliamentary candidates reduced to 18 and the number of deputies rise to 600.

Simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections for a five-year term would be held in November 2019 under the new constitution.

Reporting by Abdullah Dogan; Writing by Fatih Hafiz Mehmet