Press Statement
Morgan Ortagus
Department Spokesperson
Washington, DC – May 8, 2019
Free and fair elections and acceptance of legitimate election results are essential for any democracy.The Turkish Supreme Election Council has taken the decision, after certifying the results of the mayoral election in Istanbul of March 31, to re-run that election.
We, like other friends of Turkey, take note of this extraordinary decision.Turkey has a long, proud democratic tradition. We urge Turkish authorities to carry out this election in keeping with its laws, and in a manner that is consistent with its OSCE commitments, its status as a NATO Ally, and its aspirations for membership in the European Union.
