38. Is there a ban on vote buying?
Turkey
Source: Article 152, Law on Basic Provisions of Elections and Voter Registers, 1961 (as amended in 1983, Law No. 298)
Source: Article 57§1, Law on Basic Provisions of Elections and Voter Registers, 1961 (as amended in 2010, Law No. 298)
Source: Article 32, Law on Misdemeanours, 2005 (Law No. 5326).
Source: Gençkaya, Ömer F (2018) "Financing political parties and electoral campaigns in Turkey" in Sayarı, Sabri , Ayan Musil, Pelin and Demirkol,Özhan (eds) Party Politics in Turkey A Comparative Perspective, London and New York, Routledge.
Anyone who offers or suggests or gives any favors, assets or provides any official or general or private benefits to one or more voters for giving vote for himself or any other candidates in elections, are sentenced to from one to three years in prison. Even benefits or utilities are explained as the travel, food, drink or transfer costs of the voters, the penalties will remain the same. The voter, who accepts above mentioned money, benefit, utility or services, will be subject to same punishment. In case these actions are exercised by force, threat or by using power, the responsible will be subject to one times increased punishment.
Source: Article 152, Law on Basic Provisions of Elections and Voter Registers, 1961 (as amended in 1983, Law No. 298)
It is forbidden for political parties and candidates to distribute directly or through third parties or institutions , any gifts or giveaways other than those specified (such as brochures, handouts, party flag, poster and relevant CDs or DVDs aiming personal advertisement) personal infin this Article.
Source: Article 57§1, Law on Basic Provisions of Elections and Voter Registers, 1961 (as amended in 2010, Law No. 298)
One hundred TRY (Currently 462 TRY, according to annual indexation) administrative fines are imposed by the competent authorities for judicial proceedings or for the purpose of protecting public safety, public order or general health, in violation of the lawful order.
Source: Article 32, Law on Misdemeanours, 2005 (Law No. 5326).
The Constitutional Court found that transportation cost of voters (260,000 liras as equivalent of 81,250 Euros) paid by the incumbent Justice and Development Party (AKP) in 2011 is “unlawfull” on the ground that political parties are not entitled to provide transportation for voters. Anayasa Mahkemesi Kararı. Esas Sayısı : 2012/12 Karar Sayısı : 2016/6 Karar Tarihi : 10.2.2016.
Source: Gençkaya, Ömer F (2018) "Financing political parties and electoral campaigns in Turkey" in Sayarı, Sabri , Ayan Musil, Pelin and Demirkol,Özhan (eds) Party Politics in Turkey A Comparative Perspective, London and New York, Routledge.
