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Turkish voters gear up for key referendum

Campaigning intensifies in the run-up to Sunday’s referendum, with both sides trying to convince voters to back them.

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The proposed constitutional amendments seek to transform Turkey's political system into an executive presidential one. [Umut Uras/Al Jazeera]
By Umut Uras and Cagan Orhon
Published On 12 Apr 2017

Istanbul, Turkey – Turkish citizens will vote on Sunday in a referendum that might deeply change how Turkey is governed by significantly expanding the powers of the country’s presidential office.

The proposed constitutional changes are backed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) he founded and the far-right Nationalist Action Party (MHP).

They are opposed by the centre-left Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the pro-Kurdish People’s Democracy Party (HDP).

Both “Yes” and “No” campaigns claim that they lead the polls and are closer to victory.

For months now, they have been working to convince voters to side with them in upcoming key vote.

Follow Umut Uras on Twitter: @Um_Uras

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'Yes' voters say they will have a 'more stable' and 'secure' Turkey under a new system if the amendments are adopted. [Cagan Orhon/Al Jazeera]
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Both Erdogan and the ruling AK Party have carried out a massive campaign for the constitutional changes to be approved. [Cagan Orhon/Al Jazeera]
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Backers of the amendments argue that the new system will prevent a return to the fragile parliamentary coalitions of the 1990s. [Umut Uras/Al Jazeera]
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The 'No' campaign, mainly run by CHP, says changes will lead to 'one-man rule' and undermine democratic institutions. [Umut Uras/Al Jazeera]
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Many of the 'No' voters worry about their future under the proposed new system, which they think will bring arbitrary governance and cancel the separation of powers. [Umut Uras /Al Jazeera]
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The revival of the Ottoman Empire is a common theme among some 'Yes' voters, showing in their flags and outfits at rallies. [Cagan Orhon/Al Jazeera]
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Among the backers of the AK Party and Erdogan, there is a strong and growing negative sentiment against European countries. [Cagan Orhon/Al Jazeera]
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The 'Yes' camp has been accused by the opposition of using state funds and facilities for their campaigning activities. [Cagan Orhon/Al Jazeera]
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Voters who oppose the changes play anthems and campaign songs across Istanbul that refer to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founding father of secular Turkey. [Umut Uras/Al Jazeera]
Week in pictures
Flags, banners and scarves with Erdogan pictures sold ahead of a 'Yes' rally in Izmir. [Cagan Orhon/Al Jazeera]
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HDP, which has been hit by mass arrests for alleged links to Kurdish fighters, is running a smaller 'No' campaign. [Umut Uras/Al Jazeera]
week in pictures
The 'Yes' campaign displays old newspaper front pages about previous coalition governments, which it says are responsible for the political instabilities and financial crises of the past. [Umut Uras/Al Jazeera]
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Graffiti in central Istanbul referring to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in apparent support for the 'No' vote in the referendum. [Umut Uras/Al Jazeera]
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A boat carrying a large Erdogan banner is seen in the western city of Izmir before a rally by the president. [Cagan Orhon /Al Jazeera]