All measures to be taken to make Nov 1 polls safe: Erdo?an

Security forces will take all necessary measures to ensure election safety on Nov. 1 in a bid to avoid the repetition of problems that allegedly occurred in the June 7 polls, President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an has said.

?I believe our government, our Armed Forces and Interior Ministry will take all measures for election safety so that we?ll get through [the polls] with minor damage,? Erdo?an told reporters late Aug. 30 on the sidelines of a Victory Day reception. ?I presume that what happened in the June 7 [elections] will not be repeated on Nov. 1 as part of election safety.? 

Erdo?an has previously alleged that voters in southeastern and eastern Anatolian provinces were not free to cast votes due to threats and pressure imposed by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers? Party (PKK). There had been reports that the government would transport voters to certain polling stations in order to avoid alleged PKK pressure, but Erdo?an said Aug. 30 that a constitutional amendment was required to do so.  

?People think it?s possible if the Supreme Election Board (YSK) decides on it. No, it?s not. That would require a constitutional amendment,? he said. 

Fight against terror will continue 

In response to growing criticisms and accusations that he launched the fight against terror in an angry response to the ruling party?s failure to win a parliamentary majority in the June 7 polls, Erdo?an said the anti-terror fight would continue with determination regardless of his opponents? accusations.

?They will either bury their weapons or they will leave this country. No one has the right to ruin this people?s comfort, either in the east, west, north or south. This is not a country where a few looters and terrorists have a free hand. They will...