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US holds its fire on Istanbul election nullification

The State Department says it is monitoring Turkey’s decision to scrap the Istanbul mayoral election results, but has so far refrained from directly weighing in.
An election banner with the pictures of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and AK Party mayoral candidate Binali Yildirim is seen over the Galata bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, May 7, 2019. REUTERS/Murad Sezer - RC1157E63D00

The Donald Trump administration is avoiding criticism of Turkey's decision to annul local elections in Istanbul won by the main opposition group, in stark contrast with some of its closest allies.

Monday's announcement of a do-over sparked outrage in Europe, with the European Union demanding that the Supreme Electoral Council justify its “far-reaching” decision “without delay” and Germany deeming it “incomprehensible.”

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