Referendum on 21 October

President Ahmet Nejdet Sezer and the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) had appealed to the Constitutional Court for a legal package relating to the presidential and general elections to be dropped. However, the court has rejected the appeals.

Referendum in October

Hasim Kilic, vice-president of the Constitutional Court, announced that the legal package would thus be presented to the people in a referendum.

Muammer Aydin, president of the Supreme Electoral Board, announced that the date of the referendum would be 21 October.

Changes foreseen

The new package foresees the following changes:

* The president, who up to now has only had one seven-year term in office, will serve five years. However, s/he can be reelected for a second term.

* The president, who has been elected by parliament, will be elected by referendum.

* General elections, which have up to now been announced by the government, will take place every four years.

* For parliamentary meetings, a third of the 550 MPs (184) will be enough. (TK/AG)