Turkish MPs pass Article 11th of Constitution change

ANKARA (AA) – Lawmakers on Saturday adopted the eleventh article of the new constitutional reform package that regulates presidential and parliamentary elections.

In secret ballots early Saturday, 314 of 550 MPs voted in favor of the motion, 134 MPs rejected, while one abstained, five voted blank and two votes were invalid.

The motion changes the eleventh article of the constitution which envisages holding the presidential and parliamentary elections at the same time. According to the motion, the term-in-office of the president and MPs will be five years and the president can be re-elected for a second mandate if parliament approves. Parliamentary decision must be met by three-fifth majority.

On Friday, lawmakers adopted the ninth and tenth articles of a new constitutional reform package that regulate criminal liabilities for the president and top officials.

Both articles require lawmakers to discuss the proposal within one month and a decision to launch an inquiry must be met by 330 MPs -- three-fifths of the assembly -- in a secret ballot.

An inquiry would be conducted by a commission of 15 MPs, consisting of members of the political parties in the assembly.

The commission would submit a report with the outcome of the inquiry to the presidency of the assembly within two months. If the inquiry cannot be completed within that period, a new and definite period of one month is given to the commission, articles 9 and 10 read.

Seven more amendments will be voted on.