Is Turkey Still a Democracy? Examining the State of Democracy in Turkey

Turkey has undergone significant political changes in recent years, leading many to question whether the country can still be considered a democracy. Though Turkey has held regular elections, critics argue that President Erdogan has consolidated power and undermined democratic institutions. This article will examine the evidence on both sides of the debate around Turkish democracy.

Background on Turkey’s Political System

Turkey has been a parliamentary republic since the 1920s, though it has experienced periods of military rule. The Justice and Development Party (AKP), led by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, came to power through democratic elections in 2002. Here are some key facts about Turkey’s current political system:

• Turkey is led by a directly elected president who serves up to two 5-year terms. The president has expansive executive powers.

• The unicameral parliament has 600 seats, with MPs elected to 5-year terms through proportional representation.

• To enter parliament, parties must exceed a 10% vote threshold. This has disadvantaged smaller parties

• Local elections are held every 5 years for mayors and municipal councils,

Factors Supporting the View that Turkey Remains Democratic

1. Turkey has regular, competitive elections

• Elections are held on schedule at the national, provincial and local levels. The AKP maintains electoral dominance, but the opposition can and does win elections.

• Voter turnout is high, demonstrating electoral engagement. The 2018 presidential election saw 86% turnout in the first round.

• OSCE election monitors have assessed recent elections as competitive, despite some flaws. This lends legitimacy to election outcomes.

2. There are still opposition parties in parliament

• Though the AKP has a majority, three opposition parties hold seats in parliament. The secular CHP is the main opposition.

• The pro-Kurdish HDP passed the 10% threshold in 2018, securing 65 seats. This shows the diversity of parliamentary representation.

• The presence of opposition parties indicates pluralism and space for dissenting voices.

3. There is still critical media, despite restrictions

• While Turkey imposes severe restrictions on media, critical outlets like Cumhuriyet continue to operate.

• Online news sites and social media provide platforms for accessing alternate viewpoints, despite government efforts to curb online speech.

• The diversity of media narratives, though constrained, allows for transparency around governance.

4. Turkey has strong democratic institutions

• The Constitutional Court has preserved some autonomy, for example reversing the conviction of an opposition MP in 2020.

• Turkey has non-partisan official bodies like the Board of Election and Broadcasting that oversee elections and regulate media.

• Established institutions like an independent civil service bureaucracy impose checks on unilateral rule.

5. Civil society continues activism

• Despite arrests of activists, many NGOs and civil society groups continue to operate and criticize the government.

• Widespread protests still occur over issues like the economy and gender rights, demonstrating freedom of assembly.

• Continued activism indicates citizens still believe they can impact politics through civic engagement.

Factors Supporting the View that Turkey is No Longer a Democracy

1. Erosion of separation of powers

• Under the presidential system, Erdogan can issue decrees without parliamentary oversight. The parliament is effectively sidelined.

• The judiciary has been filled with pro-AKP judges, damaging judicial independence from the executive.

• Key institutions like the media regulator and electoral commission have been stripped of autonomy and impartiality.

2. Unfair election conditions

• AKP dominates state media and misuses state resources like government funds and facilities to bolster its campaigns.

• Pro-government business interests skew media coverage through ownership of major outlets.

• Opposition leaders face prosecution, violence and other barriers that prevent a level playing field.

3. Suppression of dissenting voices

• Erdogan regularly sues critics for insulting the president. Over 35,000 have been charged since 2014.

• Authorities have arbitrarily arrested opposition MPs and mayors, especially those linked to Kurdish rights.

• State of emergency rules passed after the 2016 coup attempt were used to crack down extensively on perceived government critics in the press, academia, bureaucracy and judiciary. Over 130,000 public servants were dismissed.

4. Infringements on freedoms of expression, assembly and association

• Censorship is widespread, with frequent blocking of websites and social media. Turkey has become the world’s biggest jailer of journalists.

• Peaceful protests over issues like the economy or environmental concerns are regularly prohibited or forcefully dispersed.

• NGOs and civil society groups face intimidation, harassment and arbitrary closures if theychallenge state policies.

5. Majoritarianism that excludes minority groups

• The AKP promotes a rhetoric and policies that favor the Sunni Muslim majority over other religious and ethnic groups.

• Kurdish movement leaders have been jailed and pro-Kurdish parties face regular efforts to ban them from politics.

• Critical media and civil society groups are targeted as threats to Turkish identity, rather than protected as elements of a pluralist democracy.

While elements of democratic governance remain, Turkey has experienced a significant democratic decline under AKP rule. The evidence suggests Turkey is situated in an ambiguous state between democracy and authoritarianism. It holds competitive but unfair elections; civil society remains active but fiercely constrained; the judiciary retains some autonomy but is largely subservient; the media provides limited diversity amid widespread censorship and intimidation. Turkey seems to have evolved into a hybrid or illiberal democracy. Looking ahead, further entrenchment of majoritarian and populist politics under Erdogan’s leadership appears more likely than a revival of liberal democracy.