ISTANBUL — A slim majority of Turkish voters agreed on April 16 to grant sweeping powers to their president, in a watershed moment that the country’s opposition fears may cement a system of authoritarian rule within one of the critical power brokers of the Middle East.
New York Times: Erdogan claims vast new powers after narrow victory in referendum
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C) acknowledges supporters, during a rally, as he leaves after delivering a speech at the conservative Justice and Development Party (AKP) headquarters in Istanbul, on April 16, following the results of a nationwide referendum that will determine Turkey's future destiny. Erdogan on April 16 hailed Turkey for making a "historic decision" as he claimed victory in the referendum on a new constitution expanding his powers. The "Yes" campaign to give Turkish President expanded powers won with 51.3 percent of the vote a tightly-contested referendum although the "No" camp had closed the gap, according to initial results. But Turkey's two main opposition parties said they would challenge the results.
