Turkish Supreme Election Council rules out electronic voting for domestic elections

The Supreme Election Council of Türkiye (YSK) issued a statement addressing claims on media outlets and social media regarding electronic voting.

The written statement clarified specific issues, noting that the explanation was mainly related to the voting process of Turkish citizens living abroad.

International observations and reviews

YSK emphasized that elections in various countries are monitored on-site, following invitations from the relevant electoral bodies. This includes countries such as Russia, Moldova, Georgia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Kazakhstan.

Additionally, the recent elections in the United States were also observed on-site, with detailed assessments being made during these visits. The gathered data from these evaluations were discussed in YSK’s committees. Furthermore, systems used by countries conducting electronic voting were reviewed.

Legal framework for overseas voting

The statement referenced Article 94/D of the Law on the Basic Provisions of Elections and Voter Registers (Law No. 298), which grants YSK the authority to establish the technical infrastructure for overseas Turkish citizens to vote electronically.

To ensure secure voting measures such as providing voters with passwords or similar security precautions will be implemented. Steps will also be taken to prevent multiple voting.

Electronic voting for overseas citizens

YSK explained that Turkish citizens living abroad will be able to vote electronically starting 30 days before the election day, until 5 p.m. local time in Türkiye on the election day.

Votes cast electronically will be counted, compiled and processed by the Overseas District Election Board starting at 5 p.m. on the election day. The results will then be sent to the Ankara Provincial Election Board, where a final report will be prepared and forwarded to YSK.

No plans for domestic electronic voting

The statement concluded by noting that the necessary arrangements for electronic voting for Turkish citizens abroad are still ongoing. However, it emphasized that there are no legal provisions or ongoing studies related to electronic voting for any domestic elections in Türkiye.

While electronic voting for overseas Turkish citizens is advancing, Türkiye has no current plans to implement it for domestic elections. The YSK is taking proactive steps to ensure secure and efficient voting for citizens abroad, with thorough monitoring of international systems.