Justice Minister Tunç on 'election security': 'There is no concern regarding election security in Turkey'

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç made statements at the Kastamonu Governor's Office regarding election security, the 8th Judicial Package, and criminal organizations. Regarding election security, Tunç claimed, "There is perhaps no other country in the world that conducts such transparent elections. That is why Turkey's elections are model elections."

Regarding the local elections to be held on March 31, Tunç said, "There is no concern regarding election security in Turkey. Let no one have any doubts about this. Elections in Turkey are conducted in a way that is a model for the world." Defending the transparency of elections in Turkey, Tunç added, "There is perhaps no other country that conducts such transparent elections."

Speaking about the 8th Judicial Package, Tunç stated, "In terms of effective combat against crime, and regarding crimes that are converted into fines, we need to make new updates that will increase the deterrent effect for crimes that turn from fines into prison sentences."

"AN INCREASE IN JUDICIAL FINES IS IN QUESTION"

Minister Tunç also said the following:

"There is also an increase in judicial fines. There are many regulations regarding procedure. The deadlines for legal remedies, appeals, objections, and cassation are very complicated. There are 7-8 day and 15-day periods. This can cause a loss of rights for our citizens and lawyers. Therefore, we are making a regulation here. We are standardizing all deadlines for objections, appeals, and applications for cassation to 2 weeks from the date of notification. In some cases, the period used to start with the pronouncement of the verdict in the presence of the parties; we are removing that as well. From now on, the deadlines for all legal remedies will be 2 weeks after notification."

Stating that there are important regulations regarding criminal organizations, Tunç continued:

"There were cancellations by the Constitutional Court regarding the simple trial procedure. There are also important regulations there regarding objection channels, especially those that expand the right to seek justice, the objection to the deferment of the announcement of the verdict being made to the Court of Appeal, and other procedural issues. There is an important regulation aimed at preventing the financing of terrorism for criminal organizations and terrorist organizations. That is the appointment of a trustee by the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF). This is possible for terrorist organizations, but we are extending the duration. We also have an important regulation regarding the appointment of a trustee by the TMSF for criminal organizations, in terms of companies or assets that provide financing to terrorist organizations, criminal organizations, and gangs. Our deputies faced a tiring workload before the elections with this judicial package. I wish them ease. Hopefully, our judicial package will be concluded tonight, and as a result of the work in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), it will enter into force with the approval of our President and its publication in the Official Gazette."

"ELECTIONS IN TURKEY ARE A MODEL FOR THE WORLD"

Making evaluations regarding the local elections, Tunç emphasized that Turkey has a transparent election system, stating, "There is no concern regarding election security in Turkey. Let no one have any doubts about this. Elections in Turkey are conducted in a way that is a model for the world. Both the membership of ballot box committees, district election boards, provincial election boards, and subsequently the Supreme Election Council are under the supervision and control of both the parties and the judiciary."

Minister Tunç finally noted the following:

"Elections are held under the supervision of an impartial and independent judiciary. Where everyone will vote is published on the internet. Everyone can see where they will vote at their ballot box. After the election, all minutes are published on ysk.gov.tr. There is perhaps no other country in the world that conducts such transparent elections. That is why Turkey's elections are model elections. Therefore, in terms of election security, there are measures taken by our security forces, as well as measures taken by our judiciary and our Supreme Election Council. These measures were taken months ago. We believe that this process will take place without any problems. Of course, there are objections regarding candidacies. These objections are reviewed by the Provincial Election Boards regarding the decisions made by the relevant District Election Boards. If there is an error there, it goes to the Supreme Election Councils. The decision to be made by the Supreme Election Council is final, and in this way, the process continues without causing any loss of rights."