The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (CoE) has overwhelmingly adopted a report on key issues raised by the recent local elections in Turkey. The report, jointly prepared by Swiss and Slovenian rapporteurs David Eray and Vladimir Prebilic, was approved by 65 votes in favour, 4 against and 3 abstentions. It focuses on the legal and procedural challenges to the local elections in Turkey, in particular restrictions on freedom of expression, the right to vote and the independence of the judiciary.
The report highlights specific concerns such as the Turkish government’s appointment of trustees to replace elected mayors, particularly in Kurdish-majority municipalities such as Hakkari (Colemêrg). This practice was criticised as undermining local democracy and contradicting Council of Europe principles. The Congress stressed that the replacement of elected officials with appointees who have no connection to local democratic structures violates the core principles of local autonomy.
The report also highlighted other key issues, including the use of state resources during election campaigns, limited media freedom and the continued repression of political opposition. Restrictions on the right to vote and stand for election, particularly for military personnel, detainees and those deprived of their civil rights, were also highlighted as a cause for concern, affecting thousands of citizens, particularly in the southeast of the country.
Representatives of various international bodies also raised issues of press freedom, the detention of Kurdish representatives and the under-representation of women in local government. Despite these concerns, no amendments were proposed to the report, which was adopted in its original form following discussions with the Turkish government. This was seen as a sign of consensus between Ankara and the Council of Europe.
The rapporteurs announced that they would work with the Turkish authorities to prepare a roadmap for the implementation of the report’s recommendations, expected by December. Congress called on the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to closely monitor Turkey’s compliance with these recommendations, particularly in the run-up to future elections.
The report underlines the need for a clearer electoral framework, greater transparency in election management and equal opportunities for all candidates. It also stresses the importance of lifting excessive restrictions on freedom of expression and access to the media in order to ensure truly democratic elections.
