All US Turks should vote in referendum: AK Party

WASHINGTON (AA) - All eligible Turks living in the U.S. should cast their ballots in an upcoming referendum, the general secretary of Turkey’s Justice and Development (AK) Party said Thursday.

Abdulhamit Gul made the appeal following public remarks at SETA-DC, saying all votes should be cast regardless if they are in support of or opposed to the proposed shift to a presidential model.

"I urge all the people living in the U.S. to vote, as it is their democratic right, be it 'yes' or 'no,'" he said. "This is their future, this is Turkey's future."

Polling in the U.S. opens Saturday and will conclude April 9. It will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (1300GMT-0100GMT) each day, including weekends.

More than 100,000 Turkish nationals living in the U.S. are eligible to cast ballots.

Consulate officials will ensure the security of the ballots, which will be stored in official bags before being flown to Turkey to be counted April 10.

The referendum will be held April 16 in Turkey.

The vote will decide the fate of proposed constitutional changes that would introduce wide-ranging powers for the president.

"This proposed system will bring a more sound and stable political process in Turkey, and will eradicate some sources of instability," Gul contended.

His ruling AK Party has been a staunch proponent of the changes, along with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

Gul said under the new system the president would wield no power over legislation and parliamentarians "with their own free will, will bring legislation to parliament.

"The president's presidential orders can be cancelled by the laws made in the parliament," he added.

And while the budget would be prepared by the president, it must be approved by legislators under the new system, Gul said.

Notably, the president would be able to decide whether to remain part of his or her political party or to be apolitical, added Gul.

"That's their choice," he said.

* Hakan Copur contributed to this report