Turkey's Army Exercises a Vote: For Secularism

The Turkish Army has sometimes stepped in to preserve the vision of Ataturk. It might happen again, this time involving the "secularist" position he established. As the BBC notes Turkey's Army 'concerned' by Turkey vote:

Turkey's army has warned against questioning the country's secular system after a disputed first-round presidential vote in parliament.

In a statement, it said it will not shy away from displaying its position.

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul - the ruling Islamist-rooted AK party (AK) candidate, marginally failed to gain enough support for his bid.

The secular opposition has said it will challenge the election in court because not enough deputies were present.

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In an unusually strong statement, the Turkish Armed Forces say it is the defender of the republic's secular system. “It should not be forgotten that the Turkish armed forces are a side in this debate and are a staunch defender of secularism. "When necessary, it will display its attitudes and actions very clearly. No one should doubt that,” the statement says.

The Turkish Army has intervened in governmental matter before, in 1960, 1971, and 1980. Unlike many such interventions in some other countries, the military has been consistent in restoring democracy after each such event.