Turnout in Turkish referendum 'shows mature democracy'

By Aylin Sirikli and Kadir Karakus

ANKARA (AA) - The president of Turkey’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday praised the high voter turnout for the April 16 constitutional referendum.

Speaking at an event marking the 55th anniversary of the court’s establishment in Ankara, Zuhtu Arslan said the high number of people going to the polls was a sign of "great democratic maturity".

“A voter turnout of more than 85 percent is an achievement in itself in terms of democracy," Arslan added. The turnout was 85.46 percent in the vote on proposals to change the constitution and usher in an executive presidency.

Unofficial results show the Yes campaign won 51.41 percent of votes, while the No votes stood at 48.59 percent.

The official results are due to be released next week.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Parliamentary Speaker Ismail Kahraman, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu and other officials were at the event.