Probe launched into handouts to Turkish electorates ahead of polls

The Prosecutor's Office started the investigation into the Tunceli Governorship and the foundation over a petition from Labor Party (EMEP), the agency said.

Turkish media recently published pictures of officials from the Tunceli Governor's Office distributing new refrigerators, washing machines, desktop computers and furniture in Turkey's eastern region.     Â

Turkey's Supreme Election Board (YSK) announced Saturday it would file a criminal complaint against political parties or foundations that give handouts to electorates to attract votes in next month's local polls.

"The handouts continued despite the board's decision. We filed a criminal complaint and activated the prosecutors in order to stop these handouts," provincial head of EMEP, Huseyin Tunc, was quoted by Dogan News Agency as saying.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government has been long accused by opposition parties and the media of using government funds to win votes.

The AKP said it is the government's duty to help the poor under the constitution's welfare state provisions.

Turkey is set to hold local elections on March 29.