Statement from YSK Chair Yener on US elections: 'Elections are comfortable and democratic'

Supreme Election Council (YSK) Chair Ahmet Yener, who is in Washington to observe the 2024 Presidential Elections held in the US, stated that the elections are proceeding in a comfortable and democratic manner and noted that they have been making observations regarding the electronic voting system.

Yener said that they have been in the US since November 3 as guests of the US Election Assistance Commission, and that a detailed presentation and briefing on the US election system were conducted by the commissions on November 4.

Stating that they visited polling stations, Yener said, 'We see that the elections are taking place very comfortably so far.'

YSK Chair Ahmet Yener

ELECTION SYSTEM IN TURKEY TO BE DISCUSSED

Yener stated that at the schools they observed, officials explained in detail how the election system works and the stages at which voting procedures are carried out.

Noting that this is the first time he and YSK Member Ali Ürker have observed US elections as the YSK, Yener said, 'After we return to Turkey, we will evaluate our observations here within our council and assess what the reflection of the election systems in the US might be on our own election system.'

Stating that they have participated in international symposiums held in Kazakhstan, Colombia, South Korea, and Poland, Yener pointed out that they are striving to advance the election system in Turkey by evaluating the experiences gained from these places as well as the similarities and differences with Turkey's election system.

Yener said that they had the opportunity to observe firsthand how the electronic voting system works, particularly in the US, and noted that voting by mail is also used in the US.

WILL AN ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM BE USED IN TURKEY?

Expressing that all these methods will be evaluated and that they will assess which aspects can be adapted in Turkey, Yener reported that the US elections have been proceeding in a comfortable and democratic manner so far.

Wishing the results to be beneficial for the US and the whole world, YSK Chair Yener noted the following:

'What are the pros and cons of electronic voting for Turkey? By observing it firsthand, we will evaluate these upon our return and enter into a study accordingly; the YSK already has prior work on this subject. Together with the impressions we have gained here, we will examine systems in different parts of the world regarding the electronic election system and evaluate what is suitable for Turkey's conditions. Of course, the final point is a matter that requires legal regulation in this regard. As an institution, we will only carry out our preliminary work on this. Ultimately, the decision rests with the parliament.'

In addition to Turkish YSK officials, representatives from the election commissions of Ukraine, Croatia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are also among the observer delegation in Washington to monitor the US presidential elections.