The ratification process in Turkey has been a topic of much discussion and debate in recent months. After the country’s parliament approved a series of constitutional amendments in early 2017, the final step in the process is for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to give his approval. However, this step has yet to be taken, leaving many wondering when and if it will happen.
The proposed constitutional amendments, which were approved by a narrow margin in parliament, aim to significantly expand the powers of the presidency. This has sparked concerns among opposition parties and human rights groups, who fear that it will lead to a further erosion of democratic checks and balances in the country.
The ratification process has been closely watched by both domestic and international observers, as it is seen as a crucial test of Turkey’s commitment to democracy. President Erdogan, who has been in power since 2003, has faced criticism in recent years for his increasingly authoritarian tendencies. The proposed constitutional amendments have only added to these concerns.
The process of ratification in Turkey is a multi-step one. First, the proposed amendments must be approved by at least 330 out of 550 members of parliament. This threshold was barely met, with 339 MPs voting in favor of the amendments. Next, the amendments must be published in the official gazette and then submitted to the president for his approval.
While the first two steps have been completed, the final step of presidential approval has yet to happen. This has led to speculation and uncertainty about when and if President Erdogan will give his approval. Some have suggested that he may be waiting for a more opportune time to make the announcement, while others believe that he may be considering potential changes to the amendments before giving his approval.
In the meantime, the opposition parties have been vocal in their opposition to the proposed amendments and have called for a referendum to be held. They argue that such significant changes to the country’s constitution should be decided by the people, not just by parliament. However, President Erdogan’s ruling party has rejected this idea, stating that the amendments were already approved by parliament and do not require a referendum.
The delay in presidential approval has also raised concerns about the state of democracy in Turkey. The country has been under a state of emergency since a failed coup attempt in 2016, which has led to a crackdown on dissent and a weakening of democratic institutions. Many fear that the proposed constitutional amendments will only further consolidate power in the hands of President Erdogan and his ruling party.
Despite these concerns, there are also those who support the proposed amendments and believe that they will bring much-needed stability and efficiency to the country’s government. They argue that the current parliamentary system is too slow and cumbersome, and that a stronger presidency is necessary for Turkey to continue its economic growth and maintain its position as a regional power.
In the end, the fate of the proposed constitutional amendments and the future of democracy in Turkey rests in the hands of President Erdogan. As the country’s leader, he has the final say on whether to give his approval or not. While some may view this as a concerning concentration of power, others see it as a necessary step towards a more efficient and stable government.
In conclusion, the ratification process in Turkey is still ongoing, with the final step of presidential approval yet to be taken. This has led to speculation and uncertainty about the future of the proposed constitutional amendments and the state of democracy in the country. As the world watches and waits for President Erdogan’s decision, it is important to remember the importance of upholding democratic principles and the will of the people.
