Opposition CHP pushes for probe of election board

By Baris Gundogan and Ferdi Turkten

ANKARA (AA) - Still stung by the result of Turkey’s April 16 referendum, the main opposition announced Friday it is demanding investigations into members of Turkey’s electoral authority.

According to a Republican People's Party (CHP) statement, the party filed a complaint petition to the Council of State and the Supreme Court over members of the Supreme Board of Elections (YSK).

The statement said that the CHP demanded that the Supreme Court and Council of State investigate the board members over their decisions concerning the referendum.

In the statement, the CHP claims the YSK exceeded its jurisdiction during the referendum.

The YSK members are assigned by the Supreme Court and Council of State.

Turkish voters on April 16 voted in favor of changes to the country’s Constitution ushering in an executive presidency.

The CHP led criticism of the referendum result, particularly the YSK's decision to declare that ballot papers not stamped by local electoral boards were valid.

Following an unsuccessful appeal to the YSK, the Council of State -- Turkey’s highest administrative court -- rejected the CHP’s petition to annul the YSK’s decision on the referendum results.