Turkey

Because of the war women gained the right to vote to vote. In 1946, the multiparty era began. A military junta seized power and governed from 1960 to 1961. In 1961, a new constitution was ratified, and elections began. The 70’s were a time of political violence and economic uncertainty. Because of this, in 1980 a second junta was formed, which instituted martial law and abolished all political parties. The second junta was dissolved because of a new constitution, adopted in 1982. Turkey then became a republican parliamentary democracy. The country of Turkey is a republic led by an elected president, which is similar to our country. Their president is H. E. Ahmet Necdet Sezer. He is the commander- in- chief of the armed forces, he is presiding officer at cabinet meetings, and the head of state. The Executive branch is made up of the chief of state, which is President Ahmet Necdet Sezer; the head of government is Prime Minister Bulent, who represents the majority party or coalition in Parliament. The cabinet consist of Council of Ministers appointed by the President. The cabinet members are nominated by the Prime Minister and elected by the President. The President of Turkey is elected by the Grand National Assembly for a seven year term. All citizens over 20 years old are entitled to vote. The legislatue of the country is the Grand National Assembly, which is the Parliament of Turkey. They have the power to make laws, ratify treaties, and declare war. But unlike our Congress they are an unicameral legislature. This means that they only have one house of legislature. The Grand National Assembly consist of two chambers, the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly consist of 450 members, who are elected for 4 year terms by the people. The Senate has 150 members, plus 40 others who are not elected, but appointed as members for life. The elections were last held April 18, 1999. The seats held by varies parties are subject to change due to defections, creation of new parties, and ouster or death of sitting deputies, as of January 1, 1999. They receive their power from the Constitution of 1982. The Assembly is headed by the Prime Minister, Bulent Ecevit. Parliament in Turkey’s electoral system are elected according to the proportion of votes they attract, rather then with the most votes won. A party needs 10% of the national vote before it can be considered for a seat in Parliament.