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                       Turkey Votes in National Elections

   by Dorian Jones

   Turkey is voting Sunday in what is widely predicted to be one of the
   most closely contested elections in more than a decade. The ruling AK
   Party is seeking a supermajority to introduce constitutional reform to
   change Turkey into a presidential system. But its fate could lie in the
   hands of a pro-Kurdish party seeking to enter parliament for the first
   time.

   Voting started briskly in Istanbul's Kadikoy district. Turnout across
   the country is expected to be high.

   Incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has argued that the
   constitutional reform he seeks is essential for Turkish development.
   But all the opposition parties oppose the political changes.

   ''For this voter that is the only issue that matters.

   "Totally, totally disagree because they are trying to make unique
   Turkish style undemocratic system," she said.

   Polls indicate the AK Party, in its 14th year of power, will remain the
   top vote winner.

   Pro-kurdish party

   But it could win fewer seats than previously if the pro-Kurdish HDP
   breaks through the 10 percent voting threshold to enter parliament.
   Most seats HDP is expected to win would come from the AK Party.

   Voting is being carried out days after a rally by the pro-Kurdish Party
   was hit by two bombs. Whether the pro-Kurdish party succeeds is
   expected to come down to only a few hundred thousand votes out of an
   electorate of more than 50 million.

   ''Election observer Emine Yildirim working for the HDP says she's
   determined to stop any fraud.

   "I am witness because [of] trust in the electoral system, it is kind of
   like [an] election for people who live in this country and who want a
   true democracy," she said.

   The ruling AK Party has dismissed concerns, pointing out Turkey has had
   free and fair elections since 1950. More than 400,000 police are on
   duty. On Saturday police arrested hundreds of HDP election monitors.
   Other opposition party's have pledged to work to ensure all HDP votes
   will be counted fairly.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/turkey-votes-in-national-elections/28
   10908.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/turkey-votes-in-national-elections/2810908.html