With 45 days left until the referendum on the constitutional amendment package introducing a presidential system, Turkey's Interior Ministry announced its security measures for the process. The declaration on security measures indicated that all provinces are to determine their specific security measures according to necessity on the ground.

The declaration introduced by the Interior Ministry earlier this week stated that Governors of each of the 81 provinces are to conduct press briefings to reach out to a wider range of people and inform them about the security measures. The security declaration further stressed that "all public personnel must be unbiased and refrain from damaging any neutrality."

Similarly to the previous Nov. 1 election, the political parties will not be allowed to place brochures, posters, banners or political party flags in areas that are not previously designated by the Interior Ministry. The declaration further said, "All means of measures will be taken against those individuals or groups that aim to disturb public peace and encourage criminal activities."

While intelligence sharing is to be enhanced according to the security measures, the Interior Ministry affirmed that necessary additional personnel to ensure security will be provided. Though it is not certain, the ministry also ordered the provision of an appropriate environment for foreign country representatives that are to arrive in Turkey in efforts to monitor and watch the public voting and urged all Turkish officials to approach then hospitably. All political party buildings, public buildings and public attractions will be secured against all possible threats throughout the voting process.

In efforts to prevent any possible vagueness on the referendum, the security of electrical transmission centers, natural gas and petroleum pipelines will be reviewed and further secured. To also further enhance security, voluntary guards in the relevant provinces are to contribute in overseeing a safe voting process. On the day of the referendum, the president, prime minister and all the ministers along with political party leaders and administrators will be provided with high security; with numerous security cameras placed at the voting centers outside of buildings to ensure public safety