Turkey to Go Ahead with Nov. 1 Election despite Bombing
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Turkey will hold a parliamentary election on Nov. 1 as planned despite the bombing of a rally of pro-Kurdish and labor activists which killed at least 95 people in the capital Ankara, a senior government official told Reuters Sunday.
"Postponing the elections as a result of the attack is not on the table at all, even as an option. The elections will be held on Nov. 1 as planned," the official said following Saturday's attack, the worst of its kind on Turkish soil.
"Because of the rising risks, the security at election rallies, which is already being increased, will be raised further. The election will be held in a secure way."
At least 95 people were killed by suspected suicide bombers at a peace rally of leftist and pro-Kurdish activists in Ankara on Saturday.
The attack also left 246 wounded, 48 of whom are in intensive care, according to an updated toll announced by Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s office.