as of the end of 2014, 2,656,963 people aged 18 and above are illiterate. Of this number, 2,203,585 are women. There is also lack of accurate data with respect to disabled voters. The percentage of the population with disabilities makes one question the validity of the number of disabled voters announced by the SBE. Indeed, in answer to a petition for information filed with the SBE regarding the number of disabled voters living abroad as well as their gender distribution, the SBE has replied ‘there is no data concerning the disabled voters registered in the overseas voter registry’’. This answer shows that the access of disabled and elderly voters living abroad to polling stations is not a subject given due consideration. There is lack of a standard practice in terms of mentally disabled persons registered in voter registries. In determining the election date, the situation of seasonal agricultural, construction and tourism workers was not taken into consideration. Seasonal workers move from their abodes to the areas where work is available between 15 April and 15 October. It is estimated that approximately 1 million people, in the agricultural sector alone, move for seasonal work. Overseas Voters Granting the right to vote to overseas voters is a positive step forward. In order for overseas voters to be able to use their right to vote in an effective manner, plans should be made to increase the number of countries where polling stations are set up and polling stations should be available in more than one centre in a country. For those overseas voters who are disabled, old, illiterate or who do not know Turkish, voter education should be conducted using different means. The physical characteristics of the centres where polling stations are to be set up should be determined according to voter profiles. In determining the countries where polling stations are to be set up, objective criteria such as number of voters should be taken as a basis. According to the data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iraq is the fifth most populated country with respect to Turkish citizens living abroad. Failure to set up a polling station in Iraq, where there are four consulate generals, and disallowing the casting of votes in any customs gate to Iraq amounts to discrimination against voters residing in this country. Regulations should be made to improve the conditions to protect the overseas ballot boxes throughout the elections, the conditions of transporting the ballot boxes to Turkey and allowing for shares to independent candidates when distributing the votes cast by overseas voters. The active role assumed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires for this Ministry to also be covered by Article 114 of the Constitution. 10