Rival camps hold final rallies in Istanbul ahead of constitutional referendum

Supporters of "Yes" and "No" camps on Saturday poured into the streets in Istanbul for final campaigns on constitutional changes, including whether to turn to a presidential system, a day before voters go to the polls across Turkey.

The naysayers gathered at the seaside of the Bosphorus Strait to say "no" to a one-man regime, while yeasayers met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in several other districts.

About 1,000 Turks who oppose the proposed constitutional changes held a march along the seashore, singing anthems which tell stories of heroes in the country's War of Independence, which led to the birth of the Republic of Turkey under a parliamentary system in 1923.

"It will be disastrous for Turkey if 'yes' votes get out of the polls," said Necla Ozkan who was waving a Turkish flag and a "no" banner. "Turkey would be transformed into another regime similar to Syria and Iraq."

Ozkan, a mother with a 30-year-old son, also spoke of her concern about a possible brain drain after the referendum in case of a "yes" win.

"Well-educated young people cannot stand being oppressed," she explained, warning of more repression under a one-man rule in the country.

Turks will vote on a package of 18-article constitutional amendments, the most controversial one being the switch to an executive presidency, under which the president shall be granted sweeping powers with less checks and balances.

Filiz Korukcu, another naysayer, said she will vote no to keep Binali Yildirim at his post as prime minister, which is set to be abolished if the package passes.

In Istanbul's Sariyer district, supporters were waiting for the president's last appearance before the voting day.

Mehmet Akin is going to vote yes, as he considers the presidential system the best regime for Turkey.

"What advantage did you ever experience in the parliamentary system?" he asked.

Faruk Cetin, another yeasayer, said "Plurality is not suitable for Turkey."

Ayse, an old lady, expressed her appreciation to the president for the well-established health service.

"Now I do not have to wait in long queues in hospitals," she said. "I can also call an ambulance whenever I'm sick."

In his speech, Erdogan called for voters to go to the polls on Sunday, saying the new constitution "will bring stability and trust that is needed for our county to develop and grow."

The voting starts at 07:00 in the morning and ends at 16:00 local time in eastern Turkey, while the western part begins the process one hour later. Endit