Turkey's ruling party kicks off referendum campaign

Turkish ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) kicked off its "Yes" campaign for the April 16 constitutional referendum on Saturday, local media reported.

"Our choice for a strong Turkey and permanent stability is 'yes'," Prime Minister Yildirim said at Arena Stadium in the Turkish capital Ankara, noting that the new system will strengthen the country's economy, boost investment and productivity.

Yildirim underscored that the new system will reduce bureaucracy, and put an end to terrorism, private channel NTV reported.

The strong leadership would prevent Turkey from facing any repeat of last July's coup attempt, he added.

With the attendance of around 40,000 people from all over Turkey, the details of the "Yes" campaign, including its slogans and songs, were revealed during the event.

Yildirim also said the new bill would enable around 7.5 million Turkish young people to seek seats in parliament.

The stadium was decorated with Turkish flags and pictures of Turkey's founding leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Yildirim. About 6,500 police officers secured the stadium and nearby streets.

The "Yes" campaign is backed by the AKP and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

Constitutional referendum will be held on April 16, which will bring drastic changes to the country's political system, including a shift to an executive presidential system from the current parliamentary system.

The referendum will ask the electorate to vote yes or no to the changes proposed in an 18-article bill.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched his "Yes" campaign on Feb. 17 in southern Kahramanmaras.

The Republican People's Party (CHP), main opposition began its "No" campaign on Monday in major cities in Turkey.

The constitutional change will bring a shift of regime change in Turkey with a strong partisan presidential system that will take over all authorities of the prime minister and cabinet.

On Dec. 30, 2016, a constitutional committee of deputies from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) submitted a proposed bill to Parliament for ratification.

The parliament passed the constitutional amendment on Jan. 21 in two-round of voting for 18 articles. A total of 339 deputies voted in favor of the amendment, exceeding the 330-vote threshold to bring it to a referendum.

source: Xinhua