Gul, YSK head Yilmaz discuss local elections procedures

President Abdullah Gul yesterday received Supreme Board of Elections (YSK) head Muammer Aydin to discuss a regulation requiring voters to have an ID number on their identity card to cast ballots in the March 29 local elections. Underlining the importance of respecting YSK rules, Gul also expressed concern that the election not harm Turkey's international image. Representatives from parliamentary parties proposed to Aydin that certified identity documents also be accepted on election day. In related news, Foreign Minister Ali Babacan yesterday met with his Philippine counterpart Alberto Romulo.