The local elections in Turkiye were raised at the press conference of the US Department of Foreign Affairs through objections made by the Justice and Development Party, particularly in Istanbul and Ankara.

"Free and fair elections are essential for any democracy. That means acceptance of legitimate election results, which is essential," Palladino said.

"We expect nothing less from Turkiye, which has a long proud tradition in this respect," he added.

Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hami Aksoy responded in writing to the US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino's statements on the local elections.

Stating that Turkiye is a democratic state governed by the rule of law, Aksoy noted that the local elections on 31 March were conducted peacefully in a democratic and transparent atmosphere.

"It is essential that voter’s will is reflected in the polls and everyone should respect the legal and democratic efforts made in this context."

"The source of legitimacy of the elections is the people’s will. The Supreme Election Council is the sole authority to determine how this will is manifested at the polls, and evaluate and finalize the process in relation to the objections," said Aksoy.

Adding that no country has the authority to intervene in the election results of another country in a manner against law and democracy and to regard itself as the source of legitimacy of the results Aksoy underlined that anti-democratic approaches and habits, cannot, in any way, overshadow Turkiye’s democratic maturity.

"Turkish people demonstrated their commitment to democracy through a high turnout on 31 March local elections. On the other hand, people’s choice in favor of stability and trust has also been confirmed by the poll results," he noted. (ILKHA)