The first results of the referendum on the powers of the president were announced in Turkey

In Turkey, the first votes at the referendum to expand the powers of the president of the country were calculated, Reuters reports with reference to the Turkish NTV television channel.

According to the results of processing, 24% of the ballots were supported by 63% of citizens. Twitter @europelects gives data on 22%of processed ballots: 63.8%voted for - 36.2%.

By 19:10 Moscow time, 86%of the ballots were processed, votes for almost 53%, against - 47%. At the same time, according to Anadola, in Istanbul the number of opponents of the reform exceeded the number of supporters - 50.04% and 49.96%, respectively.

In addition, 80.47% of Turkish citizens living in the UK also did not support amendments, agreed with them 19.53%.

Polling stations in Turkey closed at 17:00 Moscow time, 55 million people could take part in the vote. The inhabitants of Turkey had to vote for or against the package of amendments to the Constitution, which was proposed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Amendments change the system of public administration: the president becomes the head of government with the right to appoint ministers and other senior officials.

In addition, the head of state receives the powers to dissolve the parliament, declare a state of emergency, as well as issue decrees that have the status of laws and entering into force without the approval of deputies.

The new version of the Constitution suggests that the Turkish President will be able to occupy his post, as before, no more than two times in a row.

At the same time, the term of the presidency is increasing from four to five years. But they will be considered since 2019, when the country will be held in the country. Thus, if Erdogan wins them, he will be able to stay in his post until 2029.

The amendments also limit the rights of the military, notes BBC News. Those who are related to the armed forces will not be able to participate in the elections.

The plans to expand the powers of the Turkish president were announced in July 2016. This happened after an unsuccessful attempt by a military coup.