Voters in Turkey go to the polls Sunday, but this is no ordinary election. Technically, it's about whether to shift from a parliamentary to a presidential system, reports CNBC. But the bigger issue is that it would result in sweeping new powers for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Supporters say that's necessary to stabilize a nation in crisis, but critics fear what they say would be one-man rule devoid of checks on his power. More on what it means:
- The Wall Street Journal lists some of the powers Erdogan would get, including the ability to appoint vice presidents and Cabinet ministers without parliament's approval, and the authority to dissolve parliament on any grounds and issue decrees. He'd also appoint most top judges, and the prime minister's post would disappear.
- The changes would mean that Erdogan could theoretically remain president through 2029, reports US News & World Report.
- The vote is expected to be close. Reuters estimates the "yes" camp has a slight edge at 51%.
- USA Today sees "major ripple effects" of a yes vote for Europe, the Middle East, NATO, and the US. It notes that the US has a strategic military base in Turkey.