ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that in Turkey important changes have taken place, that there is a trend towards more democratic governance, but that this ongoing process needs to continue. It looks at two aspects that are of the utmost importance for a well-functioning democracy. First, the inclusiveness for participation of civil society in the political decision-making process, where governance means governing together and the government is run not only by elected representatives, but also with the involvement of other types of groups such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), professional chambers, private-sector organizations and universities. Second, that policy of all areas are finally formulated and decided by elected and accountable politicians and not by any other democratically illegitimate institution. Turkey for a long time had, and partly still has, a two-fold judicial system of civilian and military courts. In practice, the military courts guaranteed impunity for crimes committed by military personnel.
