Turkey: Gatherings expected ahead of June 24 elections

Event

The US Embassy in Turkey has issued an advisory regarding political gatherings expected to take place ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections being held on June 24. Numerous rallies and demonstrations are to be expected across the country, notably in Istanbul and Ankara, and may be held with little notice.

Context

On April 18, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that presidential and legislative elections would be held on June 24. The vote was originally scheduled for November 2019. According to Erdogan, the election needed to be moved up in order to implement a new centralized system of government.

Advice

Individuals in Turkey are advised to monitor the sociopolitical situation and avoid all demonstrations as a precaution.

On a related note, due to the risk of terrorism, individuals should maintain a high degree of vigilance, report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities, and be particularly cautious when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels, and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).