Turkey warns of external meddling after local polls

By Sena Guler

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey called on all parties late Tuesday to refrain from taking any actions that could be seen as interfering in the country’s internal affairs following weekend local elections.

“We urge all parties, including foreign governments, to respect the legal process and refrain from taking any steps that may be construed as meddling in Turkey’s internal affairs,” Fahrettin Altun, Turkey's presidential communications director, said on Twitter in response to remarks by U.S. State Department spokesman Robert Palladino.

"Free and fair elections are essential for any democracy. That means acceptance of legitimate election results, which is essential,” Palladino said at a press briefing.

“We expect nothing less from Turkey, which has a long, proud tradition in this respect,” he added.

Altun said Sunday’s elections took place in “an orderly and peaceful fashion”.

“We are confident that the electoral authorities will resolve all disputes swiftly, transparently and for good,” he stressed.

“Elections are the cornerstone of our nation’s democracy. The Turkish people have expressed their will through the ballot box for 70 years. The authorities have a responsibility to ensure that elections are free and fair.

“It is equally crucial that the vote count occurs according to the law. We are closely monitoring the situation, as multiple political parties have challenged the preliminary results due to alleged procedural errors and other irregularities,” he added.

Millions of Turks cast their votes nationwide Sunday in elections to choose Turkey’s mayors, city council members, mukhtars (neighborhood officials) and members of elder councils for the next five years.