Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10
By Orkhan Quluzade – Trend:
President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ratified amendments to the country’s Constitution, says a message on the website of the Turkish presidential administration.
A referendum on amendments to the Turkish Constitution is expected to be held on April 16.
Amendments to the Constitution got more than 330 votes in the Turkish Parliament, which is the minimum number of votes needed for holding a referendum.
According to the amendments, the number of seats in the Turkish Parliament will increase from 550 to 600.
It is also suggested that Turkish citizens can run for the MP seats from the age of 18. Currently, the lowest age limit is 25.
It is offered to hold parliamentary elections every 5 years. Currently, the parliamentary elections are held every 4 years.
A Turkish citizen no younger than 40 can become a president, according to the amendments.
The Turkish president will also have the power to appoint ministers and replace them. The president-elect will not be obliged to be a non-party nominee any more.