13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate?

Source: Article 64, Law on Basic Provisions of Elections and Voter Registers, 1961 (as amended in 1987, Law No. 298).

Source: Article 65, Law on Basic Provisions of Elections and Voter Registers, 1961 (as amended in 1987, Law No. 298).

Source: Annex Article 6, Law on Basic Provisions of Elections and Voter Registers, 1961 (as amended in 1987, Law No. 298).

Source: Article 14§2 and 4, Law on Presidential Election, 2012 (Law No. 6271).

Political parties and candidates, including the incumbent executive officers are banned to use state resources for electioneering activities, except for the official ceremonies.

During the period elapsing between the date of the beginning of electioneering until the day following the election day, it is forbidden to organize ceremonies, deliver speeches, make declarations related to works and services performed from resources of all offices, agencies, organizations, and establishments specified in Article 62 as well as institutions subject to Banks Law (including opening and foundation laying ceremonies) and make publications through all means for said works and services.

Source: Article 64, Law on Basic Provisions of Elections and Voter Registers, 1961 (as amended in 1987, Law No. 298).

[...]Within the period from beginning date of the propaganda to the following date of elections, prime minister, ministers and members of parliament are not allowed to use their official vehicles with the purpose of electoral activities and visits within the framework of electoral visits inside the country. In their visits within the context of this purpose, welcoming and send-off ceremonies are not undertaken and official feasts are not arranged. [...]

Source: Article 65, Law on Basic Provisions of Elections and Voter Registers, 1961 (as amended in 1987, Law No. 298).

However, these bans shall not apply to

[...] ceremonies relating to National Days, provinces' Liberation Days, ceremonies for welcoming and seeing-off the President of the Republic, and ceremonies for welcoming and seeing off visiting foreign heads of states and heads of governments and ministers, and opening days of judicial years and universities, and inaugurations of international congresses and fairs, and in times of natural disasters.

Source: Annex Article 6, Law on Basic Provisions of Elections and Voter Registers, 1961 (as amended in 1987, Law No. 298).

During the propaganda period, the RTÜK and the Supreme Board of Election ensure impartiality and equality of broadcast of Turkish Radio and Television (TRT). The provisions of Law 298 are applied comparatively concerning the matters related to propaganda, including provisions on bans related to the Prime Minister, ministers and members of parliament.

Source: Article 14§2 and 4, Law on Presidential Election, 2012 (Law No. 6271).