Top Court Rejects CHP's Application Over Rigging In Ankara Local Poll

Turkey's Constitutional Court has rejected an individual application filed by Mansur Yavaş, the Republican People's Party's (CHP) candidate for mayor in Ankara, over rigging claims in Ankara's local election on March 30.

Despite results indicating that ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) candidate Melih Gökçek won the contest in Ankara by a very small margin, the CHP has objected, claiming that the elections were rigged. The CHP appealed to the capital's provincial board, demanding a recount of the votes in 25 towns. The board has declined the CHP plea. Yavaş then appealed to the Supreme Election Board (YSK) over the poll results.

The YSK rejected Yavaş' challenge as well. As a last resort, Yavaş considered continuing his appeal in the Constitutional Court, and used his right to individual appeal to the court on April 21. However, the top court has rejected his individual application. Turkey's Constitutional Court has rejected an individual application filed by Mansur Yavaş, the Republican People's Party's (CHP) candidate for mayor in Ankara, over rigging claims in Ankara's local election on March 30.

Despite results indicating that ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) candidate Melih Gökçek won the contest in Ankara by a very small margin, the CHP has objected, claiming that the elections were rigged. The CHP appealed to the capital's provincial board, demanding a recount of the votes in 25 towns. The board has declined the CHP plea. Yavaş then appealed to the Supreme Election Board (YSK) over the poll results.

The YSK rejected Yavaş' challenge as well. As a last resort, Yavaş considered continuing his appeal in the Constitutional Court, and used his right to individual appeal to the court on April 21. However, the top court has rejected his individual application. (Cİhan/Today’s Zaman)