New names appointed as justice, interior and transportation ministers prior to elections

The decision regarding the appointment of three independent names to replace Turkey’s current interior, justice and transportation ministers prior to June 12 elections was published in the Official Gazette on Tuesday.
According to Turkish constitution, interior, justice and transportation ministers must resign in five days after the parliament’s decision on the elections is published in the Official Gazette. These ministers should be replaced by independent people appointed by the Prime Minister.
In line with such regulation, Ahmet Karaman was appointed as the justice minister, as Osman Gunes was named the interior minister and Mehmet Habib Soluk became the transportation minister until the general elections.
Prior to the appointment, all three names acted as undersecretaries at the said ministries.
Turkish Parliament unanimously approved last Thursday a motion which sets June 12 as date of general elections in Turkey.
Turkish people will elect 550 lawmakers in parliamentary elections.
Last parliamentary election was held on July 22, 2007. AK Party won 2007 elections, gaining 46.5 percent of national votes and collecting 341 seats in the 550-member parliament. Republican People’s Party (CHP) came the second, winning 20.8 percent of votes and 112 seats in the parliament. Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) collected 14.3 percent of votes and 71 seats.
Turkish people go to ballot booths for general elections every four years.