Voters in Turkey approved a package of constitutional amendments during a national referendum held on Sunday, according to initial reports in the Turkish media. The private broadcasters CNN Turk and NTV reported that about 59 per cent of voters supported the proposed amendments, with votes counted in 90 per cent of electoral precincts. Media sources also reported a voter turnout of about 77 per cent, according to dpa. The package of constitutional amendments, which has polarized the country, has the potential for far-reaching changes to the powerful judiciary. Support for the referendum is also seen by many as a vote of confidence for the ruling Justice and Development Party of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
