The Demand For a New Constitution In Turkey and Its Limits

Seref Iba

Abstract
Making a new constitution for more democratic Turkey is a vital issue. Replacing the constitution is an unusual and a fragile issue. It is therefore needed to preserve available political climate. This constitution making process by way of “contraction and organic” method bringing participatory principles into reality requires a soft climate which has “reconciliatory” and “consensus” features. The Constitution of 1982 is still lack of capacity in responding today‟s world requirements despite a number of constitutional amendments made over the last quarter. The system of checks and balances is not as effective as it has to be. This current constitution unfortunately bears the traces of military mindset. Even the date “1982” reminds the society of military intervention over the peoples‟ will whenever it is called. The military played a very crucial role in founding of the Republic and have since then been the staunchest defenders of the Kemalist legacy, most importantly his principles of a united, secular, nation-state. It is therefore important to make a new constitution to diminish the negative perception about Turkish constitutionalism.

Keywords: Constitutionalism, the Constitution of 1982, new constitution, Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Military tutelage.